Iran files complaint with ICAO over US aviation sanctions

• Iran’s Civil Aviation Organization has formally complained to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) over US restrictions targeting Iranian airlines, according to AFP and Iranian state media.
• The complaint follows a sweeping US sanctions package that targeted Iran’s remaining airlines and aviation-support networks, with the measures disrupting international routes and services.

Iran has filed a formal complaint with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) over US restrictions targeting the country’s aviation sector, according to Agence France-Presse and Iranian state media.

Abouzar Shiroudi, head of Iran’s Civil Aviation Organization, said Tehran submitted the complaint to defend what he described as the “legitimate rights” of Iran’s aviation industry and to challenge what he called illegal US restrictions.

The complaint follows a major expansion of US sanctions against Iran’s aviation sector.

On September eight, the US Treasury imposed sanctions on 36 targets linked to Iran’s aviation industry, including Iranian airlines, foreign intermediaries, cargo providers and companies accused by Washington of helping Tehran obtain aircraft and aviation technology. The measures also targeted networks associated with Mahan Air, which has been under US sanctions for years.

The new restrictions took effect this month and have contributed to the cancellation or suspension of international flights involving Iranian carriers.

Iranian airlines have faced disruptions on routes to several regional destinations, including Baghdad, Muscat, Qatar, Georgia and Azerbaijan. AFP reported that some airlines were forced to cancel international flights after the US measures took effect.

The US has also warned foreign companies that provide services to Iranian airlines that they could face sanctions. The measures can affect access to services including aircraft refueling, landing facilities and ticket sales.

US officials have defended the sanctions as part of a broader campaign to pressure Tehran. Washington says Iran’s aviation sector has been used to transport weapons, personnel and other material.

Iran has rejected the US restrictions and is now seeking action through ICAO, the UN agency responsible for setting international standards and rules for civil aviation.

Tehran has not publicly detailed what specific measures it wants ICAO to take in response to the complaint.

The dispute comes as the broader US-Iran conflict continues to disrupt regional air and maritime transport, adding pressure to an Iranian aviation industry that has already faced years of sanctions and restrictions.