Iranian airlines

The United States has threatened to ban Iranian airlines from operating internationally starting Wednesday, a move that would effectively ground Iranian carriers worldwide. The escalation adds to already tight sanctions on Iran's aviation sector, which has long struggled to obtain aircraft and spare parts. Observers are watching whether the deadline signals a new pressure campaign or a negotiating tactic, and how countries that host Iranian flights will respond.

Iran has filed a complaint with the United Nations protesting US sanctions on its aviation sector, according to AFP. The measures have forced Iranian airlines to cancel flights, and Tehran argues the restrictions are harming civilian air travel. The complaint escalates Iran's diplomatic push against US sanctions as tensions between the two countries continue.