{
  "id": 12127823,
  "title": "Iranian flights land in Iraq's Najaf after US sanctions exemption",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/05/iranian-flights-land-in-iraqs-najaf-after-us-sanctions-exemption-12127823",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-05T09:47:47.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The National Business",
    "slug": "the-national-business",
    "url": "https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/2026/10/05/iranian-flights-land-in-iraqs-najaf-after-us-sanctions-exemption/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Iranian airlines have recommenced flights to Iraq's Shiite holy city of Najaf following a US exemption from sanctions, excluding Mahan Air. The resumption came after a week-long halt due to US sanctions pressure. Iraqi and Iranian officials confirmed the flights restarted on Sunday. Iraq had imposed the ban on September 25, but ground handling companies ceased services due to potential US Treasury sanctions. Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein expressed gratitude to the US for allowing the flights, citing respect for religious freedom and the importance of pilgrims visiting Najaf. The US had targeted third-country companies aiding Mahan Air, an Iranian airline accused of supporting Iran's military. The ban on Iranian flights to Iraq sparked protests and threats from Iran-aligned factions, including militias and politicians staging sit-ins at airports. The exemption followed the withdrawal of American troops from Iraq, raising concerns about increased Iranian influence. The PMF, an umbrella group of Shiite paramilitary forces with ties to Iran, announced the arrest of 45 suspects and dismantling of networks linked to the banned Baath party.",
  "summary": "Iranian airlines have resumed flights to Iraq's Najaf after the US granted an exemption to allow sanctioned carriers, excluding Mahan Air, to operate 40 daily flights to and from the Shiite holy city. Flights from Iran had been halted for about a week due to pressure from US sanctions, but Iraqi and Iranian officials confirmed that they restarted in Najaf on Sunday. Iraq had not announced the ban…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The National UAE",
        "title": "Iranian flights land in Iraq's Najaf after US sanctions exemption",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/05/iranian-flights-land-in-iraqs-najaf-after-us-sanctions-exemption",
        "published": "2026-10-05T09:47:47.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}