Iraq seeks humanitarian waiver from US restrictions on Iranian airlines
Iraq is negotiating with the United States for an exemption from restrictions affecting Iranian airlines, Baghdad said. The measures have disrupted flights used by patients, students and religious pilgrims, with Najaf airport particularly affected. Iraqi authorities said any waiver would be sought for humanitarian and civilian reasons.
Iraq is holding talks with the United States to secure an exemption from restrictions on Iranian airlines, the Iraqi prime minister’s media office said on Saturday. The measures have disrupted flights between the neighbouring countries, including services used by patients travelling for treatment, students studying in Iran and pilgrims visiting religious sites. Iraqi airports enforced the ban during the week, causing major disruption at Najaf airport, a principal destination for Iranian flights.
The prime minister’s media office said Baghdad was seeking an exemption for certain Iraqi airports. It said the proposed arrangement would allow flights to resume for humanitarian reasons, including medical treatment, education and religious visits, as well as for the benefit of civilians. Iranian airlines serve both Iraqi Shia pilgrims travelling to holy cities in Iran and Iranian visitors travelling to sacred sites in Iraq.
The suspension has also affected Iraqis who rely on air travel to reach medical services and educational institutions in Iran. Iraqis interviewed by AFP said they were searching for alternatives after the restrictions took effect. Some feared losing access to treatment, while others were stranded in Iran and faced a journey of more than 12 hours by land to return home.
Iraq has joined countries including the United Arab Emirates in enforcing the US restrictions. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Wednesday that Iranian airlines would be “shut down”. The disruption comes amid close religious, political and economic ties between Iraq and Iran.
Iraqi airlines stopped operating flights to Iran at the start of the Middle East war in February, according to AFP.
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