Iraq Secures US Exception for Iranian Flights to Najaf

The Iraqi government announced on Friday that it has secured an exemption from the United States permitting Iranian airlines to operate up to 40 daily flights to and from Najaf International Airport. The agreement, reached after sustained diplomatic engagement with relevant parties, explicitly excludes Mahan Air from the authorized operations.

In a statement released via the Prime Minister’s media office on Facebook, spokesperson Zaidi detailed that the move aligns with state efforts to facilitate passenger movement and support humanitarian, medical, tourism, and educational sectors. He noted that the decision followed intensive follow-up on the resumption of air traffic between Iran and Iraq.

Diplomatic Cooperation Highlights

Zaidi commended the positive response from the US administration regarding Iraqi initiatives, emphasizing Washington’s cooperation in granting the necessary exception. This collaboration aims to resolve logistical challenges and ease travel for visitors and passengers, particularly those requiring medical treatment or engaging in religious and tourist activities.

The official further stated that this development underscores the value of dialogue and mutual understanding in addressing issues with a humanitarian dimension. It demonstrates that responsible diplomatic channels can yield practical solutions that respect public interests and needs.

Context of Aviation Sanctions

This exception comes against the backdrop of stringent US sanctions imposed on the Iranian aviation sector last September. A new package of measures entered into force following Washington’s pledge to halt all Iranian airline operations and penalize any entities dealing with them.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced these additional steps, which complement earlier actions targeting Iranian aviation as part of broader economic pressure campaigns against Tehran. Several nations had previously suspended air travel to and from Iran following the initial announcement of tightened restrictions.

Iraq was the first country to declare compliance with the US directive banning Iranian airline flights, making the recent exception a significant shift in bilateral aviation relations.