{
  "id": 11965672,
  "title": "Iran airlines resume flights to Iraq’s Najaf after US exemption",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/04/iran-airlines-resume-flights-to-iraqs-najaf-after-us-exemption",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-04T16:34:37.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Middle East Eye",
    "slug": "middle-east-eye",
    "url": "https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/iran-airlines-resume-flights-iraqs-najaf-after-us-exemption"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": null,
  "summary": "Iranian airlines have resumed flights to Iraq's Najaf, following a US exemption granted to Baghdad. This allows sanctioned Iranian carriers to operate to the city, which holds significance for Shia Muslims. The Iraqi government secured an agreement with the US on Friday, permitting Iranian airlines, excluding Mahan Air, to conduct 40 daily flights to and from Najaf. This decision comes after Iraq had previously enforced a ban on Iranian carriers, particularly at Najaf's airport, which serves as a major hub for Iranian flights. Additionally, the US granted Iraqi Airways, the national carrier, a waiver to fly between Najaf and Iran, with these flights anticipated to commence this month.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Hindustan Times - World News",
        "title": "Iran airlines resume flights to Iraqi holy city after US exemption",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/04/iran-airlines-resume-flights-to-iraqi-holy-city-after-us-exemption",
        "published": "2026-10-04T16:36:57.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}