Iran issues horror WW3 threat to strike airports - 'No more flights'

Iran issues horror WW3 threat to strike airports - 'No more flights' Iran has ramped up its threats. Share Article Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Bookmark Add us as preferred source Comments By Catherine Mackinlay , News Reporter 15:39, Wed, Sep 23, 2026 Updated: 17:05, Wed, Sep 23, 2026 Iran (Image: Getty) Iran appears to have threatened to strike airports in neighbouring countries if they "cooperate" with the US . Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, issued the stark warning as Washington ramps up pressure on countries to stop servicing Iranian airlines. In comments reported by Iranian media, Mr Rezaei warned neighbouring countries: "If you ban our flights and cooperate with the US, your airports will see no flights." He added: "If you side with the US, we will not stand by and watch." Reuters separately reported that Mr Rezaei told Iranian state television on Wednesday that if neighbouring countries cooperate with the US by stopping Iranian flights, Iran would ensure their airports "cannot function". He also warned neighbouring countries not to interfere with Iranian flights or become caught up in what he described as "America's game". Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT Get the latest news from around the world and more I would like to receive emails from the Daily Express featuring our latest products, services, offers, and promotions from across the Reach Plc family . Subscribe Invalid email You agree you are 18 or over. We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. You can unsubscribe at any time. More Info . Mohsen Rezaei has warned neighbouring countries against cooperating with the US by blocking Iranian (Image: AFP/Getty Images) NATO scrambles fighter jets as Russia launches huge attack - WW3 fears explode Major Madeleine McCann update as chief suspect makes huge admission - only yards away According to a report by South Korea's Yonhap news agency, Mr Rezaei said: "If they intervene, we will restrict the operation of aircraft from neighboring countries that cooperate with the United States." The warning comes as new US measures targeting Iran's aviation sector take effect on Wednesday, September 23. Earlier this month, the US Treasury sanctioned 36 targets it said were supporting Iran's aviation sector, including foreign intermediaries and companies providing services to Iranian carriers. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT The Treasury said the action targeted all remaining active Iranian airlines and warned foreign firms helping sanctioned carriers that they could face consequences of their own. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Monday that Iranian airlines would be forced to stop operating internationally through the threat of secondary sanctions on air service providers. He told CNBC: "If they land, you cannot provide them with fuel, you cannot provide them with landing services, you cannot sell them tickets, or you will be knocked out of the dollar system." US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced sanctions targeting Iranian airlines (Image: AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) The pressure has already begun disrupting Iranian international flights, with services from Tehran to Baghdad and Muscat cancelled. Iraq ordered its civil aviation authority to suspend Iranian flights to Baghdad from Wednesday, two sources told Reuters. Iranian authorities have also held discussions over potentially diverting Baghdad-bound services to Najaf, while talks with Oman have taken place. Other international services, including flights to Istanbul, had been expected to continue according to schedule. Mr Rezaei also addressed the ongoing blockade of the Strait of Hormuz , warning: "If the United States does not meet Iran's conditions, the Strait of Hormuz will never open." He added: "Our position remains unchanged, and the new diplomacy we have chosen will continue forcefully." Iran Donald Trump World War 3 Share Article Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Bookmark Add us as preferred source Comments