Iran threatens legal action after US intercepts passenger jet
- The Mahan Air aircraft had to descend to prevent a collision, injuring several passengers
- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif condemned the US operation on Friday, calling American politicians ‘outlaws’
After an Iranian passenger plane reportedly had a dangerously close encounter with a US fighter jet in Syrian airspace, Tehran said it is considering taking legal steps against the US.
“Disturbing a passenger jet in neutral airspace is a clear international violation of civil aviation security,” vice-president for legal affairs Laya Joneydi was quoted as saying by news agency Isna.
Iran could therefore take legal action and report the incident to the International Civil Aviation Organisation and the International Court of Justice, she said.
The Iranian Foreign Ministry is still investigating the details of the case and will give a statement later.
Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif condemned the US operation on Friday, calling American politicians “outlaws” in a post on Twitter.
The Mahan Air aircraft had to descend to prevent a collision, injuring several passengers in the process, Iranian state broadcaster IRIB reported. Video posted by IRIB showed one passenger with blood on his face.