Iraq has ordered the suspension of Iranian Airways flights to Baghdad starting Wednesday midnight local time. This directive follows earlier cancellations affecting routes to Muscat, with authorities currently discussing diverting Baghdad-bound flights to Najaf airport.

Flight disruptions and diversions

The suspension specifically targets Iranian Airways operations into Baghdad. While Tehran initially cancelled flights to both Baghdad and Muscat, the new development confirms Iraq's direct order for the suspension. Iranian authorities are working on diverting the affected Baghdad-bound flights to Najaf as an alternative destination to maintain partial connectivity on the corridor.

The disruption remains limited to select routes. Remaining international flights, including those to Istanbul, continue to operate without interruption according to reports from Iran's Tasnim News Agency.

Routes affected

The following table outlines the status of Tehran's international flight routes as reported:

The diversion of Baghdad flights to Najaf reflects efforts to maintain partial connectivity on the affected corridor while the suspensions and cancellations remain in effect.

Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei accused the Trump administration of blaming Tehran for record-high fuel prices in the United States. Baqaei stated that US officials were ignoring who initiated the war of aggression and whose actions led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Blame game intensifies over energy costs

In a post on X on Tuesday, Baqaei argued that the public's memory was not short enough to forget the origins of the conflict. He questioned whether blaming the victim for the fallout of an unlawful war of choice constituted strategic brilliance or was a symptom of folly, referencing Barbara W. Tuchman's 1984 book The March of Folly. Baqaei drew a historical parallel to 1939, noting how Hitler framed his invasion of Poland as a defensive action.

US imposes economic pressure on Iran

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent issued a statement on Monday declaring that all Iranian airlines would be grounded by Wednesday. This measure is part of broader economic pressure aimed at countries and institutions engaging with Iran. Bessent threatened to remove enablers from the dollar system through sanctions.

Iran reaffirms control over strategic waterway

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned the United States on Sunday that Tehran retains control over the Strait of Hormuz. He stated that the US cannot expect to apply pressure without facing blowback or consequences. Meanwhile, Iran's Security Chief Mohsen Rezaee confirmed that the government had sent its war-end terms to the Trump administration via mediators, suggesting acceptance would be in the best interest of the United States.

Diplomatic and military tensions rise

The exchange follows a stark warning from President Donald Trump to Iran regarding retaliation against US bases. Brent crude oil prices reached $102 amid these tensions, while Dow futures rose. Marjorie Taylor Greene supported Trump's diesel export ban, though top oil analysts cautioned against such measures.