IRAQ BLOCKS IRAN SOCCER TEAM OVER US SANCTIONS
Iraq refused to let a plane carrying Iran’s national football team land in Basra. The team was forced to fly back to Iran and finish the trip by road.
Iraqi officials said they could not risk violating US sanctions on Iranian airlines. Washington has warned that airports and service providers that handle Iranian carriers face secondary sanctions and potential cut-off from the dollar system.
The players were heading to a four-nation tournament in Basra that also includes Lebanon and Palestine. The episode shows US pressure on Iran’s aviation sector is producing real effects even on routine sports travel between neighboring countries.
Iraq has already restricted Iranian flights to several of its airports since September to avoid American penalties. The decision prioritizes compliance with US financial rules over accommodating Tehran.