Iraq allows 40 Iranian flights a day to and from Najaf

Iraq has permitted 40 daily flights between Iran and Najaf International Airport, excluding Mahan Air, Prime Minister Ali Al Zaidi's office announced on Friday. The move came after "a series of communications and follow-ups with the relevant parties," likely referring to the US. Prime Minister Zaidi expressed gratitude for the US government's "positive response" to Iraq's request for an exemption, allowing pilgrims and medical travelers to pass through.

Last week, the Iranian Civil Aviation Organisation canceled ticket sales to Najaf following the closure. An Iranian consulate in Najaf expressed outrage, questioning why the city, home to the city's holy shrine, should be cut off from Iran. Najaf is significant as it houses the Shrine of Imam Ali, the Prophet Mohammed's cousin and son-in-law.

In June, Iran's late supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's coffin, passed through the city during a funeral procession. Iranian state media had previously stated that the route to Najaf would remain open, but Iraqi Airways resumed flights to and from Iran in October. The suspension of flights to Baghdad occurred on Wednesday.

Iraqi ground-handling companies halted services due to concerns over potential US sanctions. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent revealed that companies dealing with Iranian airlines would be "knocked out of the dollar system." In response to the sanctions, the UAE suspended flights operated by Iranian airlines on Thursday, and flights between Iran and Oman have also been impacted.