Iraq seeks US sanctions exemption for Iranian airline flights — The National

Iraq is holding direct talks with the United States on an exemption from US sanctions for Iranian airline flights to certain Iraqi airports. This was stated by the office of Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi. Baghdad seeks to restore air links for humanitarian reasons, including travel for medical treatment, education and religious visits.

Exemption talks

According to The National, the Iraqi government also said it was working to ease tensions in the region. The Iraqi side warned that prolonged crises would further complicate the situation and called on all parties to engage in dialogue and negotiations.

Washington is increasing economic pressure on Tehran through secondary sanctions against foreign companies that cooperate with Iranian firms. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that companies doing business with Iranian airlines would be “excluded from the dollar system”.

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Flights to Najaf and Baghdad

Following the new sanctions, Iranian airlines were banned from flying to a number of neighbouring countries, including Iraq, the UAE and Oman. Iran’s Civil Aviation Organization announced the suspension of ticket sales to Iraq’s Najaf, where the shrine of Imam Ali is located.

The Iranian consulate in Najaf expressed outrage over the restrictions and questioned the closure of the route to the city for Iranian pilgrims. Flights to Baghdad were suspended on Wednesday, although Iranian state media had previously reported that the Najaf route would remain open. The publication noted that a prolonged flight ban could deepen Iran’s isolation and worsen its economic crisis.