Archive · 29 Sep 2026
US Plans Limited Waiver for Iran-Najaf Pilgrim Flights
The United States has sanctions that make it harder for countries to work with Iran.
Iraq stopped flights between the two countries because of those sanctions.
Many Shi'ite Muslim pilgrims travel from Iran to Najaf in Iraq to visit important religious sites.
The US planned to let Iraqi Airways run these flights for one month.
Iraq asked for the exception because people also travel between the countries for medical care and education.
Iraqi officials hoped flights could restart within 48 hours.
Iraq is trying to maintain good relations with both the United States and Iran.
The proposed rules would require careful passenger screening and checks to prevent illegal activity.
The Trump administration planned a one-month sanctions waiver for flights between Iran and Najaf, Iraq.
The waiver would allow Iraqi Airways to carry Shi'ite Muslim religious pilgrims between the two countries.
Iraq halted flights to and from Iran after US sanctions took effect, while seeking exemptions for travel, medical care and education.
Iraqi officials expected flights to resume within 48 hours, although the US Treasury Department had not confirmed the plan.
The waiver was intended to ease pressure on Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi’s government while limiting risks involving weapons, sanctioned people and illicit funds.
- Who
- The Trump administration, the Iraqi government led by Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, and Iraqi Airways are involved; Shi'ite Muslim pilgrims would use the flights.
- What
- The United States planned to grant a limited sanctions waiver allowing flights between Iran and Najaf, Iraq, for one month.
- When
- The waiver was expected to be granted on Monday, with flights potentially resuming within 48 hours.
- Where
- The flights would operate between Iran and Najaf in Iraq.
- Why
- The waiver was intended to support religious pilgrimage and potentially medical and educational travel while easing pressure on Iraq, which is balancing relations with Washington and Tehran.
Iraqi Travel and Religious Access
US Sanctions and Security Controls
Whether flights should continue
Iraqi Travel and Religious Access
Iraq sought an exemption to preserve travel for pilgrims and people seeking medical treatment or education, while avoiding political backlash from ending the air links.
US Sanctions and Security Controls
The United States was applying economic pressure on Iran and had to limit activities that could support sanctioned entities or illicit financial and military transfers.
Balancing relations with Iran
Iraqi Travel and Religious Access
Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi’s government wanted to deepen ties with Washington while maintaining its strong relationship with neighboring Iran.
US Sanctions and Security Controls
US pressure was intended to reduce Iranian influence in the region, including in Iraq, and officials were concerned that unrestricted flights could undermine that effort.
- Planned waiver duration
- One month, with a potentially more permanent waiver later.
- Airline
- Iraqi Airways
- Route
- Iran to Najaf, Iraq, and return
- Religious destination
- Najaf’s shrine of Imam Ali
- Iraq’s requested uses
- Pilgrimage, medical treatment and education
- Expected resumption
- Within 48 hours, according to an Iraqi official
- Proposed safeguards
- Passenger screening, information sharing and checks against weapons, sanctioned individuals and illicit money