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Iran Security Council Denies Military Retaliation Plans on Aviation — AI-generated representative image. A commercial passenger aircraft on an airport tarmac, illustrating Iran's diplomatic response to regional aviation restrictio

Editorial Team

SNSC pursues diplomatic channels and non-military countermeasures amid regional aviation restrictions

Iran's Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) has denied reports that the country plans military retaliation in response to recent aviation restrictions, according to a statement issued on Saturday. The secretariat said the claim was based on inaccurate interpretations of remarks made by SNSC Secretary Mohsen Rezaei regarding air transport.

The statement clarified that negotiations with relevant countries to lift what it described as illegally imposed aviation restrictions are being pursued seriously, while noting that non-military countermeasures remain available if needed.

The clarification comes amid rising regional tensions over a reported US plan to sanction Iranian aircraft and restrict their access to regional airports. The SNSC's statement is significant because it seeks to de-escalate concerns that the aviation dispute could trigger military action, while simultaneously signaling that Iran retains leverage over regional air travel.

Official Denial and Diplomatic Efforts

The SNSC secretariat issued its statement on Saturday to address what it called the publication of certain inaccurate interpretations and quotes regarding the secretary's remarks on air transport, which had given rise to questions and ambiguities.

The statement explicitly denied that Iran intends to engage in military retaliation over the recent aviation restrictions. It confirmed that negotiations with the relevant countries to lift the restrictions are being pursued seriously through diplomatic channels.

The secretariat also indicated that various non-military countermeasures could be applied to specific airports if necessary, though it expressed hope that the situation would not reach that point.

Earlier Warning to Regional States

The clarification follows remarks made on Wednesday by SNSC Secretary Mohsen Rezaei, who warned regional countries against joining a US plan to restrict Iranian aviation. Rezaei cautioned that any attempt to prevent Iranian aircraft from using regional airports could affect flights from those countries as well.

Reacting to the US plan to sanction Iranian aircraft, Rezaei urged regional states not to cooperate with Washington in restricting Iran's aviation sector. He framed the issue as a broader regional concern, telling neighboring states that they should prevent the conflict from spreading.

Rezaei's Statements to Regional States

In his Wednesday remarks, Rezaei directly appealed to regional and neighboring countries. "We ask all the countries of the region not to join America's adventure," he said.

He issued a pointed warning about reciprocal consequences: "If they do not allow Iranian aircraft to travel, their own airports will not be able to have flights either."

Rezaei also emphasized Iran's desire to maintain regional relationships, stating, "You are our friends, but you should not join America's ranks. You should prevent the war from spreading."

Current Status and Next Steps

Iran has formally denied any intention of military retaliation and is currently pursuing negotiations to lift the aviation restrictions. The SNSC has indicated that non-military countermeasures remain an option if diplomatic efforts fail, but has expressed hope that the situation will be resolved without escalation. Further developments are expected as talks with the relevant countries continue.