Drama in the skies: Iraq prevents Iran's national football team from landing on its territory

Iraq prevented the landing of a plane carrying Iran's national football team at Basra airport, due to fears of violating US sanctions on Iranian airlines. The plane returned to Iran, and the team will continue by land.

Iraq today (Tuesday) prevented the landing of a plane carrying Iran's national football team at Basra airport, due to fears of violating US sanctions on Iranian airlines. The plane returned to Iran, and the team will continue by land, according to a source at the Iranian consulate in Basra. The team was on its way to participate in a four-team football tournament in Basra, involving Iraq, Lebanon, and 'Palestine'. An official at the Iraqi Civil Aviation Authority said the decision was made because Iraq could not risk violating the sanctions. The incident highlights the impact of US sanctions on Iranian aviation in Iraq. The United States announced on September 23 sanctions on any company worldwide that deals with Iranian airlines. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned that airports serving Iranian airlines could face sanctions. Iraq already ordered in September to suspend Iranian flights to Baghdad. Also, three weeks ago, Iraq closed the Al-Shaib border crossing with Iran, which may make it difficult for the team to cross the border.