Iraqi Airways to resume Iran flights amid US sanctions pressure

Iraqi Airways will resume flights to and from Iran in October, according to the Iraqi Transport Ministry. This decision comes after Baghdad halted the flights in early March under pressure from a series of US sanctions. The ministry announced the resumption despite the fact that ground-handling companies had ceased serving the routes due to fears of US Treasury-imposed sanctions.

The US has granted Iraqi Airways a sanctions waiver for flights between Najaf International Airport and Iranian airports, though confirmation from Washington on the waiver has not been provided.

The ban on Iranian flights to Iraq sparked protests and threats of sit-ins by Iraqi militias and politicians. Groups such as Kataib Hezbollah called for Iraqis to break the "US siege" on Iran, while Al Nujaba accused Baghdad of submitting to Washington's influence on Iran policy. The suspension of flights had angered Iran-aligned factions and political parties.

With the escalation of fighting in Yemen and the suspension of ceasefire efforts, the US has intensified economic pressure on Iran through secondary sanctions on foreign companies that engage with Iranian firms. This campaign aims to isolate Iran economically and secure concessions during peace negotiations.

The ban on Iranian flights to Iraq has deepened Iran's isolation and exacerbated an economic crisis already worsened by a US blockade of its ports. Iran has also responded to the broader restrictions, warning that if flights and airport services are denied, no country in the region would have them.