Iraq Seeks US Exemption as Iranian Airline Ban Disrupts Travel

Iraq seeks US exemption from sanctions on Iranian airlines after the restrictions disrupted flights between the two countries, affecting patients, students and religious travellers. Baghdad is now in direct talks with Washington to allow some Iraqi airports to receive the affected airlines again.

The Iraqi prime minister’s media office stated that the request was made for humanitarian grounds. It stated that the exception will benefit persons going for medical treatment, education, and religious trips, while also addressing civilian needs.

Iraq Seeks US Exemption for Key Airports

The US restrictions on Iraqi airports went into effect last week. The impact has been particularly acute at Najaf Airport, a major arrival point for Iranian planes.

Iranian airlines play a significant role in connecting the two nations. Their flights transport Iraqi Shia pilgrims to Iran’s holy towns, as well as Iranian tourists visiting religious sites in Iraq. They are also used by Iraqi students studying in Iran, as well as people seeking medical attention there.

Many travelers were left with interrupted plans as a result of the ban’s unexpected enforcement. Some Iraqis expressed concern that they would no longer have access to medical treatments in Iran. Others were left in Iran and had to travel almost 12 hours by road to reach home.

The disruption has added pressure on Iraq as authorities try to find a solution without affecting people who depend on the flights for essential travel.

Iran Pushes to Restore Suspended Flights

Iran is also negotiating with Iraqi officials to resume the flights. Mohammad Kazem Al-Sadegh, Iran’s ambassador to Iraq, informed the Iranian news agency ISNA that Tehran was in communication with Baghdad about the matter.

He stated that around 25 aircraft run daily between Iran and Najaf, with approximately 15 flights connecting Iran to Baghdad. According to him, Iranian airlines transfer 12,000 to 13,000 individuals between the two nations each day.

According to Al-Sadegh, the prohibition has also posed issues for Iraqis, especially students registered in Iranian universities. The interruption has so impacted travel in both directions, rather than only Iranian travelers.

The Iraqi request comes as other nations have begun to impose restrictions on Iranian aircraft. The United Arab Emirates was among countries adopting similar steps following US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s announcement that Iranian airlines will be “shut down” beginning Wednesday.

Iraq and Iran share strong religious, political, and economic relationships. When the West Asia War began in February, Iraqi airlines had already halted flights to Iran.

For the time being, Baghdad is seeking a US exception for specific airports, while Tehran is also looking for a means to reinstate stopped flights. The success of these measures will decide if crucial aviation ties between Iraq and Iran can be restored.