Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – The Iraqi Ministry of Transport revealed on Tuesday that Iraq’s national carrier will resume flights to Iran in October, amid flight suspension due to US sanctions limiting services to Iranian airlines.
According to the ministry, Iraq has obtained a specific exception that allows Iraqi Airways to operate direct flights to Iran.
Iraq banned flights to and from Iran on Friday to comply with US sanctions. The Iraqi government requested exemptions for pilgrimage, medical treatment, and education travel.
The transport ministry said that services will begin next month from the holy city of Najaf when regulatory and technical conditions are met, according to Reuters.
According to a source in Iraq’s transport ministry, the US Treasury Department approved a one-month exception. The number of permissible flights has still to be decided, according to the source.
The US administration offered Iraqi Airways a one-month US Treasury waiver to fly between Iran and Najaf, with the possibility of a permanent exemption.
Baghdad offered to provide passenger screening and information exchange to prevent airplanes from transporting weapons, sanctioned individuals, or illegal funds.
