Iraq seeks US exemption from ban on Iranian airlines

The Iraqi government says it is negotiating with the United States to secure an exemption from restrictions on Iranian airlines, following disruptions to flights between the two countries.

 

The restrictions, enforced at Iraqi airports this week, have particularly affected Najaf, a major destination for Iranian flights and religious pilgrims.

 

In a statement on Saturday, the Iraqi Prime Minister’s media office said the government was holding direct discussions with Washington to exempt certain Iraqi airports from the measures.

 

It said the exemption would allow flights to resume for “humanitarian reasons, including medical treatment, education, religious visits, and for the interest of civilians.”

 

Iranian airlines are used by Iraqi Shia pilgrims travelling to Iran’s holy cities, as well as Iranian visitors to religious sites in Iraq. The flights also serve Iraqi students studying in Iran and patients seeking medical treatment there.

 

The restrictions have reportedly left some Iraqis struggling to access medical care in Iran, while others have been stranded and forced to consider lengthy journeys by road.

 

Iraq is among countries, including the United Arab Emirates, that have moved to enforce the US restrictions after US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Iranian airlines would be “shut down” on Wednesday.

 

Iraq and Iran maintain close religious, political and economic ties, with both countries having Shia-majority populations.

 

Iraqi airlines had already suspended flights to Iran at the beginning of the Middle East war in February.