4 hrs ago
US Plans Limited Sanctions Waiver for Iran-Iraq Pilgrimage Flights
The United States has sanctions that make it difficult for countries to operate flights to and from Iran.
Iraq stopped flights with Iran, but this created problems for people traveling to religious sites.
The US planned to give Iraqi Airways a short-term exception.
This exception would allow flights between Iran and Najaf for Shi’ite Muslim pilgrims.
Iraq expected flights to restart within 48 hours.
Iraqi leaders also wanted exceptions for medical and educational travel.
They promised to screen passengers and prevent weapons or illegal money from being transported.
A longer-lasting exception might be considered later.
The United States was set to grant a one-month waiver allowing Iraqi Airways to operate flights between Iran and Najaf.
Iraq halted flights to and from Iran on Friday after US sanctions pressure, while officials expected service to resume within 48 hours.
The waiver would cover Shi’ite Muslim religious pilgrims traveling between Iran and Iraq’s holy city of Najaf.
Iraq has also sought exemptions for travel involving medical treatment and education, with a longer-term waiver potentially possible.
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi offered safeguards including passenger screening, information sharing, and measures against weapons or illicit-money transfers.
- Who
- The US administration, the Iraqi government led by Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, and Iraqi Airways are involved; Iranian and Iraqi Shi’ite pilgrims are affected.
- What
- The United States planned to issue a limited sanctions waiver for flights between Iran and Najaf.
- Where
- The flights would operate between Iran and Najaf, Iraq.
- When
- The waiver was expected on Monday, after Iraq halted flights on Friday; an Iraqi official expected flights to resume within 48 hours.
- Why
- The waiver would support religious pilgrimage and ease pressure on Iraq as it balances relations with the United States and Iran.
US Sanctions Enforcement
Iraqi Travel and Religious Access
Maintaining pressure on Iran
US Sanctions Enforcement
The Trump administration’s sanctions campaign was pressuring regional governments to reduce ties with Iran, including air connections.
Iraqi Travel and Religious Access
Iraq sought an exemption so essential travel could continue while it maintained a relationship with Iran.
Security controls
US Sanctions Enforcement
Any permitted flights would need safeguards to prevent weapons, sanctioned individuals, or illicit money from being transferred.
Iraqi Travel and Religious Access
Iraq said it would provide rigorous screening and information sharing to satisfy those concerns.
Political consequences
US Sanctions Enforcement
Reducing flights supports US efforts to limit Iranian influence in Iraq.
Iraqi Travel and Religious Access
The source warned that a complete flight ban could provoke backlash by uniting Shi’ite groups and placing pressure on the Iraqi government.
Key facts
- Proposed waiver duration
- One month, with a potentially more permanent waiver later
- Permitted operator
- Iraqi Airways
- Route
- Between Iran and Najaf, Iraq
- Primary travelers
- Shi’ite Muslim religious pilgrims
- Additional exemptions sought
- Travel for medical treatment and education
- Safeguards offered
- Rigorous screening, information sharing, and measures to prevent weapons, sanctioned individuals, or illicit money transfers
- Expected restart
- Within 48 hours, according to an Iraqi official
Sources
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