Iraq suspends Iran flights as U.S. military activity escalates in the Persian Gulf, with Iran declaring maximum military readiness.
Macro & Markets ·
Iraq suspended all flights to and from Iran beginning Tuesday, September 22, following a spike in U.S. military operations in the Persian Gulf region. The move coincided with the deployment of at least seven U.S. refueling aircraft over the gulf waters and reconnaissance activity by an MQ-4C Triton drone near Iran's southern coast, alongside reports of unidentified fighters in airspace near Bandar Abbas.
The suspension reflects escalating regional tensions. Iran's military command declared "Code 100," its highest level of military readiness, citing what it characterized as an imminent threat from the United States. Iranian officials signaled expectations that U.S. military action against Iran could resume in the near term, according to Sabreen News.
The extent and duration of Iraq's flight suspension remain unspecified. It is unclear whether additional regional actors will impose similar measures, or what specific trigger—if any—might prompt the resumption of normal air traffic between the two countries.