US, Sept. 10 -- As World Tourism Day approaches and the International Institute for Peace Through Tourism marks 40 years, Dr. Hormatallah Rafiei says restrictions on Iranian aviation threaten passengers, international connectivity and one of tourism's most fundamental purposes: keeping people connected.

World Tourism Day is celebrated every September 27 by UN Tourism around the idea that travel can contribute to international understanding, sustainable development and peace.

This year, that message collides with a very different reality.

The United States has imposed sweeping new sanctions targeting Iran's aviation sector, including the country's remaining airlines. Whatever the geopolitical justification for Washington's action, rest...