Iraq barred a plane carrying Iran's national soccer team from landing in Basra on Tuesday afternoon, citing compliance risks under United States aviation sanctions. The flight returned to Iran and landed at Abadan airport, forcing the squad to complete the journey overland. The team was scheduled to compete in a four-nation tournament alongside Lebanon and Palestine().
Iraq Blocks Iran Soccer Team Plane
Iraq barred an Iranian soccer team plane from landing in Basra due to US sanctions on Iranian airlines. The aircraft returned to Iran, and the team traveled overland.
The incident underscores the expanding reach of Washington's restrictions on foreign aviation networks operating with Tehran. Two Basra airport officials said the Iraqi Civil Aviation Authority acted to prevent regulatory penalties.
