The United States has granted Iraqi airlines a sanctions waiver, allowing them to fly Iranian pilgrims in and out of Najaf, a holy city for Shia Muslims in Iraq. An Iraqi government official and an airport source confirmed this development to AFP. The waiver enables Iraqi airlines to operate flights between Najaf and Iran, with the airport source adding that the airlines can now fly to Iran, although no schedule has been set yet.
The Iraqi government had been in talks with the US to seek an exemption after sanctions on Iran's aviation sector took effect. The sanctions, which were enforced by several countries, including the United Arab Emirates, aimed to economically isolate Iran. However, the US waiver allows Iraqi airlines to carry Iranian pilgrims to holy cities in Iran or Iranians visiting sacred sites in Iraq. The flights also facilitate travel for Iraqi students studying in Iran and patients seeking medical treatment.
Iranian airlines primarily carry Iraqi Shia pilgrims to Iran's holy cities or Iranians visiting sacred sites in Iraq. The US sanctions, announced in early September, threatened to cut off from the dollar-dominated global financial system anyone doing business with Iran's airlines. Despite this, several airlines, including Iran Air, continue to offer regular flights between Iran and other countries. Turkish authorities have seized a plane belonging to Iran's Caspian Airlines in Istanbul over an alleged unpaid debt of $3.4 million.
The seized plane, a Boeing 737 jet, had completed embarkation and was preparing for takeoff when officials detained it based on a court-issued seizure order. Caspian Airlines stated that the Istanbul flight to Tehran faced temporary operational restrictions due to an administrative issue in Turkey. The airline confirmed that passengers had to disembark but had taken administrative measures regarding a debt of $3.0 million for Istanbul airport services. The plane was expected to return to Iran on Tuesday.
Turkey's foreign ministry did not respond to requests for comments on the seizure. The country has not complied with the new US sanctions, which aimed to further choke Iran's economy. Mahan Air, a major freight transporter, suspended all flights to Turkey at Ankara's request. The US Treasury Secretary, Scott Bessent, had sent envoys around the world to pressure countries to economically isolate Iran, hailing the new restrictions targeting the country's airlines and banks.
The US waiver for Iraqi airlines to fly Iranian pilgrims to Najaf demonstrates a nuanced approach to sanctions enforcement. The development allows for the continuation of religious and cultural exchanges between Iran and Iraq while maintaining pressure on Iran's economy. The exemption is conditional, and Iraqi airlines must adhere to specific requirements to operate flights between Najaf and Iran.
The relationship between the US, Iraq, and Iran remains complex, with ongoing efforts to balance regional interests and security concerns. The US waiver for Iraqi airlines is a recent development in this context, reflecting the ongoing diplomatic engagements between the countries. The exemption is expected to facilitate travel for Iranian pilgrims and support the Iraqi government's efforts to maintain good relations with Iran.
Key points
- The US has granted Iraqi airlines a sanctions waiver to fly Iranian pilgrims to Najaf, holy city in Iraq.
- The waiver allows Iraqi airlines to operate flights between Najaf and Iran, facilitating travel for pilgrims, students, and patients.
- The development demonstrates a nuanced approach to sanctions enforcement, balancing regional interests and security concerns.
