Iran's state-owned airline Iran Air has suspended all flights to Europe after the European Union imposed new sanctions on the carrier, the head of the Iranian Air Carriers Association said. The measures imposed by Brussels prompted an emergency response from Iranian authorities, who immediately responded by canceling all scheduled flights.

According to Iranian media, passengers who had purchased tickets for flights to Europe received notices of their cancellations hours after the new sanctions were announced. The reports cite the decision of the European Union as the reason. Iranian authorities said the measure was forced and a direct consequence of recent restrictions imposed by Brussels on Iran Air.

The EU sanctions target state entities and companies linked to the Iranian government, including the national airline. The EU accuses Iran Air of aiding Iran's ballistic missile program and of participating in military operations outside the country, including in Syria. The accusations have become the basis for new economic and transport restrictions.