The US Treasury Department is expected to grant an exemption to allow Iraqi Airways to operate flights between Iran and Najaf for a month, with the possibility of a longer exemption later. This move comes amid US sanctions on Iran. The exemption aims to alleviate pressure on the Iraqi government, led by Prime Minister Ali Al-Zeid, who is seeking to balance relations with Washington and Tehran.
Iraqi Airways has resumed flights between Najaf and Iranian airports, according to the Iraqi News Agency. However, Iraq had suspended flights to and from Iran on Friday in compliance with US sanctions. The resumption of flights is seen as a significant development, given the large number of Shia pilgrims who travel between Iran and Iraq each year to visit holy cities.
The US sanctions on Iran, imposed by President Donald Trump, have forced Middle Eastern governments to reduce their ties with Tehran, which could lead to a backlash against those countries that maintain a balance in their relations with Washington and Tehran. Iraq is seeking an exemption for travel between Iran and Iraq for medical treatment, education, and religious visits.
The Iraqi government, led by Prime Minister Al-Zeid, is walking a tightrope in its relations with the US and Iran. The country is keen to maintain good relations with both Washington and Tehran, which is a significant challenge given the current tensions between the two nations. The exemption on flights between Iran and Najaf is seen as a way to ease the pressure on the Iraqi government.
The US Treasury Department's exemption would allow Iraqi Airways to operate flights between Iran and Najaf with strict inspection procedures and information sharing. The Iraqi government has offered guarantees that these flights will not be used to transport arms, individuals subject to sanctions, or illicit funds.
The source cited by Reuters noted that a ban on flights between Iran and Iraq could lead to a backlash against the Iraqi government from Shia groups who follow Iran's Supreme Leader and Iraq's top cleric, Ayatollah Ali Al-Sistani. This could undermine US efforts to limit Iranian influence in Iraq.
Several countries, including Turkey, the UAE, and Iraq, have canceled direct flights with Iran due to US pressure. Najaf, a center for religious studies, attracts millions of visitors each year. The exemption on flights between Iran and Najaf is seen as a way to prevent a backlash against the Iraqi government and maintain stability in the region.
Key points
- The US is set to grant an exemption from sanctions for flights between Iran and the Iraqi city of Najaf.
- The exemption aims to alleviate pressure on the Iraqi government, led by Prime Minister Ali Al-Zeid.
- The Iraqi government has offered guarantees that these flights will not be used to transport arms, individuals subject to sanctions, or illicit funds.
