Iran has filed a formal protest with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) against restrictions imposed by the United States on its aviation sector, as Tehran steps up diplomatic and legal efforts to restore suspended international flight routes.
Abuzar Shiroudi, head of Iran's Civil Aviation Organization, said on Monday that the protest was submitted to ICAO in coordination with the country's Foreign Ministry. The complaint included documents detailing the disruptions caused to Iranian flights by the restrictions, according to Iran's state news agency IRNA.
Shiroudi said Iran was using available legal and diplomatic channels to remove barriers and resume flight routes that had previously been in operation. He added that restoring routes suspended by several countries remained a priority for the aviation authorities.
With direct flights to several European destinations facing restrictions, Iranian passengers have increasingly relied on connecting services through regional hubs, including Istanbul, as an alternative for international travel.
The move follows fresh US sanctions announced on September 8 targeting Iran's aviation sector. The US Treasury Department imposed sanctions on 36 targets, including 27 Iranian airlines, accusing them of supporting Iran's aviation industry and facilitating the movement of weapons, personnel and other sanctioned cargo.
The restrictions have also affected Iran's access to regional airports. Several countries have suspended or restricted flights to and from Iran following the latest US measures, further disrupting the country's international air connectivity.
Shiroudi said Iran had also filed a case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague concerning attacks on airports, aircraft and radar systems. According to IRNA, he said ICAO had ruled in Iran's favour in an earlier matter, while the case before the ICJ remains under review.
Iran's aviation sector has faced years of restrictions and difficulties obtaining aircraft parts, services and access to international aviation infrastructure. The latest measures have further reduced flight options, with Iranian carriers losing access to services at airports in parts of the region.
Tehran has said it will continue pursuing diplomatic and legal avenues to restore suspended routes and remove what it describes as barriers affecting its aviation industry. The outcome of its latest complaint to ICAO will determine whether any of the disrupted connections can be restored through international aviation channels.
