Tehran: The Islamic Republic of Iran has forcefully condemned the recent imposition of US sanctions targeting 27 Iranian airlines and aviation-related entities, describing the measures as acts of 'economic terrorism' and 'collective punishment' that threaten civilian aviation safety and restrict the movement of millions of people.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, in a formal letter addressed to the UN Secretary-General and the President of the UN Security Council, Gholamhossein Darzi, Iran's Ambassador and Charg© d'Affaires to the United Nations, articulated the detrimental impact of these sanctions. He highlighted how the restrictions disrupt access to essential aircraft spare parts, equipment, maintenance, repair, inspection, and technical services crucial for the safe operation of civilian aircraft.

The letter further elaborated on the perceived escalation of the US's 'Operation Economic Outcast,' which began on August 24, 2026. Darzi accused the United States of employing economic coercion as an alternative form of aggression after failing to achieve its objectives through military means in previous conflicts with Iran. He argued that these measures seek to systematically target essential civilian sectors, resulting in economic deprivation and hardship for the Iranian populace.

The letter emphasized the grave implications of the sanctions on civil aviation safety, arguing that they contravene the fundamental objectives of the Chicago Convention. Furthermore, it accused the US of violating international law and the United Nations Charter by deliberately inflicting harm on the Iranian civilian population, thereby constituting economic terrorism and a crime against humanity.

Iran has declared its intention to pursue all available legal avenues to hold the United States accountable for these actions. The letter urged the UN Secretary-General and the Security Council to pressure the United States to cease its unilateral coercive measures and comply with international obligations to protect civilian populations.

The communication also called on all UN Member States to reject and refrain from implementing US sanctions that violate international law and result in humanitarian harm. Iran's appeal to the international community seeks to safeguard international peace, security, and the protection of civilians from the adverse consequences of such unilateral actions.