{
  "id": 10507919,
  "title": "Exclusive-US to grant sanctions waiver for flights between Iran and Iraq's Najaf, source says",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/28/exclusive-us-to-grant-sanctions-waiver-for-flights-between-iran-and",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-28T18:46:30.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Al-Monitor",
    "slug": "al-monitor",
    "url": "https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/09/exclusive-us-grant-sanctions-waiver-flights-between-iran-and-iraqs-najaf-source"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": null,
  "summary": "The US administration is set to grant a limited waiver to its Iran sanctions program, allowing flights between Iran and Iraq's holy city of Najaf. According to a source with direct knowledge of the matter, the US Treasury Department waiver will permit Iraqi Airways to fly back and forth between Iran and Najaf for one month, with a more permanent waiver potentially following.\n\nIraq had previously halted flights to and from Iran on Friday, in line with US sanctions, as reported by the South China Morning Post. The move aimed to ease pressure on the Iraqi government, which has sought to deepen ties with Washington while balancing a strong relationship with Iran.\n\nFlights between Iran and Najaf have resumed, as reported by Iraq's state news agency, cited by Middle East Eye. The waiver allows for flights carrying Shi'ite Muslim religious pilgrims between the two countries.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}