Despite US sanctions on Iranian flights, up to forty a day may still fly to Iraq’s Najaf - analysis

Iraq has secured a US sanctions waiver allowing Iranian airlines to operate up to 40 daily flights to Najaf International Airport, excluding Mahan Air. The waiver frames the flights as pilgrimage travel for Shi'ites. Iraqi PM Ali al Zaidi praised US cooperation, while the arrangement highlights Iraq's hedging strategy between Washington and Tehran after the US withdrawal from Iraq. The waiver follows a US Treasury license for Iraqi Airways to operate Najaf-Iran flights until October 28, 2026.

Iraq has secured a US sanctions waiver allowing Iranian airlines to operate up to 40 daily flights to Najaf International Airport, excluding Mahan Air. The waiver frames the flights as pilgrimage travel for Shi'ites. Iraqi PM Ali al Zaidi praised US cooperation, describing Washington's response as positive. The arrangement follows a US Treasury license for Iraqi Airways to operate Najaf-Iran flights until October 28, 2026. Mahan Air has been under US sanctions since 2011 for supporting Iran's IRGC-Quds Force. The waiver highlights Iraq's hedging strategy between Washington and Tehran after the US withdrawal from Iraq on September 30, 2026. The article frames Iraq as central to Iran's strategic chessboard in the region.

Despite US sanctions on Iranian flights, up to forty a day may still fly to Iraq’s Najaf - analysis