The secretariat issued a statement on Saturday addressing the publication of certain inaccurate interpretations and quotes regarding the SNSC secretary’s remarks on air transport, which have given rise to questions and ambiguities.
The statement said the claim that Iran intends to engage in military retaliation in response to recent aviation restrictions is denied.
It added that negotiations with the relevant countries to lift certain illegally imposed aviation restrictions are being pursued seriously.
The statement went on to say that there are various non-military countermeasures available that could be applied to specific airports if necessary.
“However, it is hoped that the situation does not reach that point.”
On Wednesday, SNSC Secretary Mohsen Rezaei warned regional countries against joining a US plan to restrict Iranian aviation, saying 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.
“We ask all the countries of the region not to join America’s adventure,” he said.
“If they do not allow Iranian aircraft to travel, their own airports will not be able to have flights either,” Rezaei warned.
“You are our friends, but you should not join America’s ranks. You should prevent the war from spreading,” he told the regional and neighboring states.