Iraqi Airways to resume Iran flights in October after securing US exemption

Iraqi Airways plans to resume flights to Iran in October, following the suspension of services due to US sanctions targeting Iranian airlines. The Iraqi transport ministry announced this on Tuesday, revealing that officials have secured a special US exemption permitting Iraqi Airways to operate flights to Iran. The decision to suspend flights came on Friday, aligning with the US sanctions.

The government had sought exemptions for travel related to pilgrimage, medical treatment, and education. The initial services are set to begin from the Shiite holy city of Najaf, pending completion of regulatory and technical requirements. A source in the Iraqi transport ministry confirmed that the US Treasury Department granted the exemption, which is initially set for one month.

The exact number of allowed flights has not been determined yet. This announcement comes after Reuters reported on Monday that the Trump administration was planning to grant a one-month US Treasury waiver to Iraqi Airways to fly between Iran and Najaf. Baghdad had proposed safeguards such as passenger screening, information sharing, and measures to prevent the flights from being used for transporting weapons, sanctioned individuals, or illicit funds, according to a source with direct knowledge of the matter.