Archive · 29 Sep 2026
US Plans Temporary Waiver for Iran-Iraq Pilgrim Flights
The United States has sanctions that make it harder for countries to fly to and from Iran.
Iraq stopped flights with Iran, which disrupted travel for religious pilgrims.
The United States planned to let Iraqi Airways operate these flights for one month.
The flights would connect Iranian airports with Najaf in Iraq.
Najaf is an important destination for Shiite Muslims visiting the Imam Ali Shrine.
Iraq also wanted permission for flights carrying people seeking medical care or education.
Iraqi leaders promised to screen passengers and prevent weapons or illegal money from being transported.
The reports differed slightly about timing, with one saying flights were expected to resume and another saying some had already begun.
The US Treasury Department planned a one-month waiver allowing Iraqi Airways to fly between Iran and Najaf.
The waiver would support Shiite Muslim pilgrims traveling to Najaf’s Imam Ali Shrine.
Iraq suspended flights to and from Iran after warnings that regional airports serving Iranian carriers could face US sanctions.
An Iraqi official expected flights to resume within 48 hours, while Iraq’s state news agency reported that some services had begun resuming.
Iraq also sought exemptions for medical and educational travel and offered passenger screening and information-sharing safeguards.
- Who
- The US administration, the US Treasury Department, the Iraqi government, Iraqi Airways, and Shiite Muslim pilgrims are involved.
- What
- The United States planned a temporary sanctions waiver for Iraqi Airways flights between Iran and Najaf.
- When
- The waiver was expected on Monday after Iraq halted flights on Friday; an Iraqi official expected service to resume within 48 hours.
- Where
- The flights would operate between Iranian airports and Najaf, Iraq.
- Why
- The waiver would restore religious travel while helping Iraq manage its relationships with the United States and Iran.
US Sanctions Enforcement
Iraqi Travel and Religious Access
Limiting ties with Iran
US Sanctions Enforcement
US sanctions pressure regional governments to reduce air and other connections with Iran as part of Washington’s effort to impose economic pressure on Tehran.
Iraqi Travel and Religious Access
Iraq sought an exemption so essential religious travel could continue while it maintained its relationship with Iran.
Security conditions
US Sanctions Enforcement
Permitted flights would need controls to prevent the transfer of weapons, sanctioned individuals, or illicit money.
Iraqi Travel and Religious Access
Iraq offered rigorous screening and information sharing to address those concerns.
Political impact
US Sanctions Enforcement
Reducing air links supports US efforts to limit Iranian influence in Iraq.
Iraqi Travel and Religious Access
The reports said a complete flight ban could provoke backlash and increase pressure on Iraq’s government.
- Proposed waiver
- One month, with a possible extension or permanent exemption
- Operator
- Iraqi Airways
- Route
- Iranian airports and Najaf, Iraq
- Main travelers
- Shiite Muslim religious pilgrims
- Other exemptions sought
- Travel for medical treatment and education
- Iraqi safeguards
- Passenger screening, information sharing, and measures against weapons, sanctioned individuals, and illicit money transfers
- Reported service status
- An Iraqi official expected flights within 48 hours; Iraq’s state news agency later said some flights had begun resuming
