Iran Air

Iran's foreign ministry on Tuesday slammed the new sanctions by the European Union and Britain against Tehran over its support for Russia's war on Ukraine as unjustified.

Iranian photographer Tannaz was on her way to Tehran's airport when European sanctions on flag carrier Iran Air forced her to return home, unable to make it to work in Paris.

The United States is set to impose new sanctions on Iran following the delivery of ballistic missiles from Tehran to Moscow, despite repeated warnings from the West. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, during a visit to London, announced the move, noting that Russia is expected to use the missiles in its war against Ukraine in the coming weeks.

Western powers on Tuesday announced fresh sanctions on Iran for supplying Russia with short-range missiles for imminent use against Ukraine, calling it a dangerous escalation of the conflict that threatened European security.

An Iranian pilot has thanked Turkish intelligence units for saving him from getting kidnapped by Iranian agents in Turkey in his interview with the Qatar-based broadcaster Al Jazeera.

"Iranian intelligence agents tried to drug me and take me back to Iran. I am thankful to Turkish authorities for saving me from the kidnapping attempt," Mehrdad Abdarbashi said.

BELGRADE - Direct flights from Belgrade to Tehran resumed on Tuesday after nearly three decades.

Serbian Minister of Trade, Tourism and Telecommunications Rasim Ljajic said the flights, operated by Iran Air, were the best indicator of Serbia's preparations for the arrival of Iranian tourists.

BELGRADE - An Iran Air flight will land in Belgrade on Saturday, marking the resumption of direct flights from Tehran to Belgrade after 27 years, the Serbian Ministry of Trade, Tourism and Telecommunications said in a statement on Friday.

Iran's national carrier Iran Air on Dec. 22 completed an order for 100 Airbus planes with a list price of around $20 billion (19 billion euros) as the Islamic Republic opens up to the West.

The order follows a commitment inked in January when President Hassan Rouhani visited Paris in the wake of a deal between Western powers and Iran over its nuclear program.

European planemaker Airbus  and Iran Air will finalize a deal to buy aircraft in two weeks, the head of Iran's flag carrier said on Dec. 13, adding Airbus has agreed to provide financing for 17 planes. 

Only days after the adoption of a new Aviation Strategy for Europe,  the European Commission updated the EU Air Safety List, the list of airlines that are subject to an operating ban or operational restrictions within the European Union. This list is essential to guarantee the highest level of air safety for European citizens.