on Iran's aviation industry—part of a broader push to pressure its economy. A Tehran travel agent told AFP that flights to Baghdad, Muscat, Qatar, Georgia, and Azerbaijan were suspended, though routes to other destinations, including China, remained available. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced the measures Monday, vowing to "shut down" Iranian carriers and warning that any country refueling, servicing, or selling tickets for Iranian planes risks being cut off from the dollar system. This followed an earlier threat of "economic D-Day" against Iran after nearly seven months of war. However, Iran's aviation sector has faced sanctions for years, so the full impact remains unclear, and it's uncertain whether other nations will comply. Even after the sanctions took effect, a Mahan Air flight from Tehran landed in Guangzhou, China, according to FlightRadar24. China rejected the sanctions as illegal, and a Shanghai flight was also scheduled. Some Istanbul flights operated while others were cancelled. Iranian media confirmed cancellations, with Tasnim reporting that Baghdad and Muscat airports would no longer accept Iranian flights. Authorities are discussing rerouting Baghdad flights to Najaf, a key pilgrimage destination. Iraqi sources said Baghdad would comply with the US measures despite no public announcement—raising concerns among Iraqi travel agents who depend on such bookings. Some Iranian travelers are now considering longer land routes, while a Tehran agent said that "the situation is unstable" and that tickets were no longer being sold due to cancellation fears. The restrictions will further complicate Iranians' ability to travel abroad or return home. (Bssnews)