{
  "id": 11484501,
  "title": "Iraq given US exemption for Iranian flights to and from holy city",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/02/iraq-given-us-exemption-for-iranian-flights-to-and-from-holy-city",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-02T16:55:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Middle East Eye",
    "slug": "middle-east-eye",
    "url": "https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/iraq-says-gets-us-exemption-iranian-flights-and-holy-city"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": null,
  "summary": "The United States has granted sanctions exemptions for some Iranian airlines to operate flights to Iraq's holy city of Najaf, according to the Iraqi prime minister's office. The agreement allows Iranian airlines, excluding Mahan Air, to conduct 40 flights daily to and from Najaf, a city of significant importance to Shia Muslims. The US implemented these sweeping new sanctions targeting Iranian airlines last month as part of its efforts to pressure Iran's economy, despite the ongoing tensions and lack of peace between the two nations. Earlier this week, Najaf airport suspended all Iranian flights in response to the sanctions, causing inconvenience for travelers who had to seek alternative routes.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Al-Monitor",
        "title": "Iraq says 40 daily Iranian flights cleared to fly to and from Najaf",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/02/iraq-says-40-daily-iranian-flights-cleared-to-fly-to-and-from-najaf",
        "published": "2026-10-02T16:46:38.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}