Due to new sanctions, Iran Air is no longer allowed to operate flights to the European Union, the EU Commission announced.
The move is not related to recent tensions in the Middle East, but is based on suspicions that Iran supplied ballistic missiles and drones to Russia for use in the war against Ukraine.
In addition to Iran Air, the private airlines Mahan Air and Saha Airlines are also affected by the sanctions, although they do not offer flights to the EU anyway. Specifically, the new restrictions affect Iran Air flights to and from Vienna, Frankfurt, Hamburg and Cologne.
It is expected that Iran's next step could be to withdraw landing rights from European airlines. This would also affect Austrian Airlines, which offers flights to Tehran.