Iran rules out military response to flight ban, says talks ongoing

Iran's Supreme National Security Council has denied that Tehran will take military action in response to recent airspace restrictions.

According to Iran's Tasnim news agency, citing a statement from the council, some inaccurate interpretations and quotes attributed to the council's secretary regarding air transport have led to questions and confusion. The statement clarified that claims Iran would respond militarily to the recent airspace restrictions are unfounded.

The agency added, citing the statement, that negotiations between Iran and the relevant countries to lift certain unlawful airspace restrictions are ongoing and being pursued seriously.

The statement also noted that there are several non-military options for reciprocal measures, which will be implemented if necessary against certain airports, expressing hope that the situation will not reach that point.

These developments follow a directive from Iraqi authorities instructing the Civil Aviation Authority to suspend Iranian flights to Baghdad Airport starting Wednesday, after the United States threatened sanctions on any airport providing services to Iranian airlines.