Khamenei’s advisor warns: “Flights free for all or for no one”

An adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader said Friday that flights and airport services in the region must be available to everyone or to no one, following disruptions to Iranian passenger flights linked to new US sanctions.

Mohammad Mokhber posted on X that cooperation with the United States in what he called “hostile policies” would remain in the memory of the Iranian nation.

“Our strategy on this matter is clear: flights in the region are either free for everyone, or for no one,” he wrote.

همسویی با آمریکا در اجرای سیاست‌های خصمانه در خاطر ملت ایران ماندگار خواهد بود، هر چند راهبرد ما در این مورد مشخص است: پرواز در منطقه یا برای همه آزاد است، یا برای هیچ‌کس. اگر ایران امکان پرواز و دریافت خدمات فرودگاهی نداشته باشد، هیچ کشوری در منطقه هم این امکان را نخواهد داشت.

— محمد مخبر (@MokhberOfficial) September 25, 2026

“If Iran does not have the possibility of flying and receiving airport services, no country in the region will have this possibility either.”

The statement comes after the United States intensified pressure on Iran’s aviation sector.

US Treasury measures, which took fuller effect around September 23, target Iranian airlines and threaten secondary sanctions on companies that provide them with fuel, ground handling, landing rights, or other services.

Several countries and airports have restricted Iranian carriers.

The United Arab Emirates suspended all flights operated by Iranian airlines.

Multiple Iraqi airports, including those in Najaf, Baghdad, Erbil and Sulaymaniyah, halted services to and from Iran.

Azerbaijan and Georgia also suspended Iranian flights.

Iranian officials had earlier indicated that countries complying with the US measures could face reciprocal consequences affecting their own airport operations.

Some Iranian international routes to destinations such as China, Turkey and Afghanistan have continued to operate.