Iraq seeks US exemption from sanctions on Iranian airlines

All Iraqi airports began enforcing the US ban this week, causing major disruptions, particularly at the airport serving Najaf, a primary destination for Iranian flights into Iraq. The Iraqi prime minister's media office stated that the government is holding direct talks with the US to exempt certain airports for humanitarian reasons, including medical treatment, education, and religious visits.

Iran's ambassador to Iraq, Mohammad Kazem Al-Sadegh, confirmed that his country is also in communication with Iraqi authorities to find a solution for restoring the flights. He noted that prior to the ban, there were approximately 25 daily flights from Iran to Najaf and about 15 to Baghdad, facilitating travel for 12,000 to 13,000 people weekly.