Iraq seeks US exemption from ban on Iranian airlines

The Iraqi government is currently engaged in discussions with the United States in an effort to obtain an exemption from the ban on Iranian airlines, which has caused significant disruptions to travel for patients, students, and pilgrims. Starting in February, Iraqi airlines ceased operations to Iran due to the outbreak of the Middle East war. All Iraqi airports implemented the ban this week, resulting in major inconveniences at the airport of Najaf, the primary destination for Iranian flights to Iraq.

In a statement, the Iraqi government's media office disclosed that the country is in direct negotiations with the American side to exempt specific Iraqi airports from these restrictions. The exemption would enable flights to resume for humanitarian purposes, including medical treatment, education, religious visits, and for the benefit of civilians.

Iranian airlines predominantly transport Iraqi Shia pilgrims to Iran's holy cities, Iranians visiting sacred sites in Iraq, Iraqi students studying in Iran, and patients seeking medical care there.

Several Iraqis have informed AFP that the implementation of the US sanctions has left them scrambling for solutions, with some expressing concern about losing access to treatment in Iran, while others are stranded there with limited options, such as a 12-hour journey home by land. Iraq has joined several countries, including the United Arab Emirates, in enforcing the US ban after Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced that Iranian airlines would be "shut down" on Wednesday.

The relationship between Iraq and neighboring Iran, both predominantly Shia-majority countries, has historically been close due to religious kinship as well as political and economic interests.