US sanctions waiver allows flights between Iran and Iraq’s Najaf

The United States has granted Iraqi airlines a sanctions waiver allowing flights between Iran and the Iraqi city of Najaf, Iraqi officials and an airport source told AFP, easing restrictions that had disrupted travel for Iranian pilgrims.

What does the US sanctions waiver allow?

The US sanctions waiver allows Iraqi airlines to operate flights between Iran and Najaf, a major Shia Muslim pilgrimage destination. The exemption is conditional, and Iraqi officials said flights have not yet been scheduled.

“Iraqi airlines have obtained a conditional exemption to operate flights between Najaf and Iran,” an Iraqi government official said.

“The airport was informed yesterday that Iraqi airlines can fly to Iran but there is no schedule yet,” an airport source added.

Why did Iraq seek an exemption from US sanctions?

The Iraqi government said last week that it was negotiating with the United States to secure an exemption after new sanctions on Iran’s aviation sector took effect.

Flights between Iran and Iraq are important for religious travel. Iranian airlines mainly carry Iraqi Shiite pilgrims to Iran’s holy cities and Iranians visiting sacred sites in Iraq.

The flights also serve Iraqi students studying in Iran and patients traveling to the country for medical treatment.

How did Iraq respond to the Iran aviation sanctions?

Iraq joined several countries, including the United Arab Emirates, in enforcing the US restrictions after Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Iranian airlines would be “shut down.”

Bessent said Saturday that he had sent envoys around the world to pressure countries to economically isolate Iran.

He also welcomed the new restrictions targeting Iran’s airlines and banks, as Washington expanded sanctions against Tehran.

The waiver gives Iraqi airlines a limited route to maintain air travel between Iran and Najaf despite the wider US sanctions on Iran’s aviation sector.