UK Halts Flights to Iran Over Supply of Missiles to Russia

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Facts

  • Iran Air will no longer be allowed to fly into the UK after new sanctions — also put in place by the US, France, and Germany — were imposed on Iran for providing Russia with ballistic missiles for use in Ukraine.[1][2]
  • The missiles were reportedly transferred to Russia following warnings, both public and private, that the action would be considered a 'dramatic escalation,' according to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.[3]
  • The European states issued a joint statement calling Iran’s move a 'direct threat to European security' and saying that they would be canceling air service agreements within their countries which are necessary for direct flights to Iran.[4][3]
  • Iran Air is one of only a few airlines that offer direct flights to Iran from Europe, with the majority of flights to and fro being connecting flights. Nearly 1.8 million people flew between Europe and Iran last year alone.[5]
  • Iran Air faced similar sanctions between 2010 and 2016, and again briefly in 2020, when flights into Europe were restricted.[6]

Sources: [1]Aviation Week Network, [2]GOV.UK, [3]The National, [4]France 24, [5]Simpleflying and [6]One Mile at a Time.

Narratives

  • Pro-Iran narrative, as provided by Tehran Times. The basis for these sanctions is totally unsubstantiated. These punitive measures are deliberately antagonistic and reflect an outrageous double-standard, as the Western 'allies' that have sanctioned Iran over these allegations are the primary suppliers of weapons to the Israeli regime amid an ongoing genocide against the Palestinian people. The leaders who enacted these unjust sanctions should be held accountable.
  • Anti-Iran narrative, as provided by BBC News. Iran provided ballistic missiles, training, and other military support to Russia in the full-knowledge that Moscow's illegal invasion and ongoing military activity in Ukraine directly threatens European security. This offense warranted the swift and serious response delivered. While some people may be inconvenienced by the impacts on Air Iran, this ban is one of several sanctions that will serve to deter future support for Russia.

Predictions