Updated

Iraq halted Iranian airline flights at all four airports where they operated—Baghdad, Najaf, Erbil and Sulaimaniyah—in a move to enforce new US aviation sanctions targeting Iran. Najaf's airport, a major hub for Iranian pilgrims traveling to Shia holy sites, was the first to suspend flights following a directive from the Iraqi prime minister's office, with Erbil and Sulaimaniyah following shortly after. Iran threatened 'widespread disruption' in response to the suspensions, which represent an escalation of US economic pressure on Tehran's aviation sector and could further isolate the country amid the ongoing conflict with Israel and the US.