Key Points
- US Treasury waiver would allow Iraqi Airways to operate flights between Iran and Najaf.
- Iraq halted flights with Iran after Washington imposed sanctions on Tehran.
- Baghdad is seeking exemptions for religious pilgrims, medical patients and students.
ISLAMABAD: The Trump administration is set to grant a limited waiver from its Iran sanctions programme for Iraqi Airways to operate flights between Iran and the Iraqi holy city of Najaf, a person with direct knowledge of the matter said.
The US Treasury Department waiver would initially cover one month, with a more permanent exemption potentially following.
Iraq suspended flights to and from Iran on Friday in line with US sanctions, prompting Baghdad to seek an exemption for travel linked to religious pilgrimage, medical treatment and education.
An Iraqi official said the government was in talks with Washington over the Najaf exemption and expected flights between Iran and Najaf to resume within 48 hours.
The move would ease pressure on the Iraqi government, which is seeking to maintain relations with Washington while preserving its ties with neighbouring Iran and religious tourism.
US Treasury’s Final Say on Waiver
The US State Department referred questions about the waiver to the Treasury Department, which did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The suspension of flights followed Washington’s increased pressure on Iran and regional governments reducing air links with the country. Turkey and the United Arab Emirates have also cancelled direct flights with Iran in recent days.
READ ALSO: US Imposes New Sanctions on Iran
Najaf is a major centre of religious study and pilgrimage, and attracts millions of pilgrims each year to the shrine of Imam Ali, the cousin and son-in-law of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, Peace Be Upon Him.
The city is also home to the world’s largest and oldest active Islamic cemetery.
The source said the waiver was intended partly to prevent political pressure on the Iraqi government over restrictions affecting religious visits.
Iraq has offered safeguards for the flights, including rigorous passenger screening and information sharing, while ensuring that the services are not used to transport weapons, sanctioned individuals or illicit funds, the source said.
