First since the war began – airline resumes flights to Iran

For the first time since the start of the war, a foreign commercial flight arrived in Tehran. An Iraqi Airways plane landed at Imam Khomeini Airport, operating a flight from the Iraqi city of Najaf. The United States granted the carrier a sanctions exemption for transporting pilgrims.

For the first time since the start of the war, a foreign commercial flight arrived in Tehran. An Iraqi Airways plane landed at Imam Khomeini International Airport at 6:50 a.m. local time, operating a flight from the Iraqi city of Najaf. The flight was scheduled as a round trip. Iranian state television broadcast footage of the landing. The US decision to grant Iraqi Airways a sanctions exemption became known last month. Iraq's transport ministry then explained that the permit covers the transport of pilgrims between Iran and Najaf. Last week, Iraqi authorities announced an agreement with Washington that allows Iranian airlines, except Mahan Air, to operate daily flights to and from Najaf. The city is considered one of the most important pilgrimage centers for Shiites. The resumption of certain flights comes amid tightening US restrictions on Iran's aviation industry. Last month, Washington imposed new sanctions.

First since the war began – airline resumes flights to Iran