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Iraq Seeks US Exemption from Iranian Airline Sanctions Amid Travel Chaos
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Firstpost•27-09-2026, 07:14
Iraq Seeks US Exemption from Iranian Airline Sanctions Amid Travel Chaos
- •Iraq is negotiating with the US for an exemption from sanctions on Iranian airlines, citing humanitarian reasons for medical treatment, education, and religious visits.
- •The ban has caused significant disruption, particularly at Najaf airport, a key destination for Iranian pilgrims and travelers.
- •Thousands of Iraqi and Iranian citizens are affected daily, including students, patients, and pilgrims, with some stranded or facing long overland journeys.
- •Iran's ambassador to Iraq, Mohammad Kazem Al-Sadegh, confirmed Tehran is also working with Iraqi authorities to restore suspended flights.
- •The enforcement of the ban by Iraq follows similar actions by other countries, including the UAE, after US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's announcement.
Key Questions Answered
Baghdad is seeking a humanitarian exemption to resume flights for medical patients, students, religious pilgrims, and civilians stranded by the travel disruptions.
The US ban on Iranian airlines has caused significant travel disruptions across Iraqi airports, stranding passengers and forcing many to rely on exhausting overland journeys instead of flights.
Iran's ambassador to Iraq, Mohammad Kazem Al-Sadegh, stated that Tehran is in direct contact with Iraqi authorities to restore the daily flights that carry thousands of passengers between the two countries.
