Iraq Seeks US Exemption for Iranian Flights

Iraq’s government is in talks with the United States to secure an exemption that would allow flights between Baghdad and Iran to resume, following new aviation sanctions that halted all Iranian airline traffic. The move comes amid protests, diplomatic statements from both sides, and concerns over r…

By Felo News Desk · Published Sat, 26 Sep 2026 19:01:45 GMT

Iraq’s Prime Minister Ali al‑Zaidi has announced that his government is actively negotiating with Washington for a special exemption that would allow flights between Baghdad and Iran to resume. The request follows a recent U.S. decision to impose aviation sanctions on any global company that does business with Iranian airlines, a move that has forced Iraqi airports to suspend all flights to and from Iran.

Background: U.S. Aviation Sanctions and Their Impact

On Friday, the United States announced new aviation sanctions targeting any international company that engages with Iranian airlines. The sanctions were part of a broader effort to pressure Iran over its regional activities and nuclear program. As a result, four Iraqi airports—Baghdad, Najaf, Erbil, and Sulaimaniyah—suspended all flights to and from Iran, leaving thousands of passengers stranded and forcing them onto lengthy land journeys of at least 12 hours.

These airports are critical hubs for Shia pilgrims traveling between Iraq and Iran’s holy cities. The suspension has disrupted not only commercial travel but also religious pilgrimages, medical treatments, and educational exchanges that rely on air transport.

Iraq’s Diplomatic Response and the Call for Dialogue

In a statement released Saturday, the Prime Minister’s office said that an exemption for Baghdad would allow flights to resume on “humanitarian grounds related to medical treatment, education, religious visits, and the interests of civilians.” The statement also emphasized Iraq’s commitment to de‑escalating regional tensions and called on all parties to pursue dialogue and negotiations to end the crisis.

Meanwhile, Iraq’s ambassador to Tehran, Yasser al‑Hajjaj, assured that the suspension would be temporary and would not affect the broader relationship between the two countries. He highlighted the deep ties between Iraq and Iran, citing the presence of about 100,000 Iraqi students in Iranian institutions, a large Iraqi diaspora in Iran, and thousands of daily crossings that illustrate the interconnectedness of the two nations.

Iran’s ambassador to Iraq, Mohammad Kazem al‑Sadegh, echoed these sentiments, stating that officials from both sides are in contact and that a new decision on flights is likely to be announced soon. The Iranian side emphasized that the temporary suspension should not undermine the long‑term relationship between the two countries.

Public Reaction and Protests

The suspension of flights sparked significant public unrest. Large crowds gathered in Baghdad’s streets, organized by Iran‑allied Iraqi militias, to protest the halt. Scholars and students from the Hawza of Najaf—a world‑renowned Shia seminary—held a vigil on Saturday evening, condemning the suspension as a blow to regional brotherhood. The seminary’s Scholarly Assembly urged the government to maintain Iraqi independence and sovereignty while restoring normal air traffic.

Protestors highlighted the economic and social toll of the suspension, noting that the lack of air links has forced families to travel long distances by road, increasing travel costs and time. The protests underscored the delicate position Iraq finds itself in, balancing its relationships with both the United States and Iran.

Geopolitical Context and Future Outlook

Analysts describe Iraq as “squeezed between” the United States and Iran, with each side exerting influence over the country’s political and economic landscape. Some blame Iran for exerting control over Iraq, while others blame the U.S. and Israel for escalating regional conflicts. Regardless of attribution, the situation has left Iraq in a precarious position, facing economic repercussions and heightened tensions.

The next steps involve continued diplomatic engagement between Iraq and Washington. If an exemption is granted, flights could resume, easing the burden on passengers and potentially reducing the economic strain caused by the suspension. However, the situation remains fluid, and further developments are expected as both sides negotiate the terms of any potential exemption.

In the meantime, Iraqi authorities are working to mitigate the impact on civilians by offering alternative travel arrangements and seeking assurances from Iranian officials that the suspension will be brief. The outcome of these negotiations will have significant implications for Iraq’s domestic stability and its role in the broader Middle Eastern geopolitical landscape.

Key facts

Iraq seeks U.S. exemption to resume flights with Iran after new aviation sanctions
Four Iraqi airports halted all Iranian flights, forcing long land journeys
Iraqi and Iranian ambassadors emphasize temporary nature of suspension and deep ties
Public protests in Baghdad and Najaf highlight economic and social impact
Iraq balances relationships with U.S. and Iran, facing geopolitical pressure

Why it matters

The suspension of flights between Iraq and Iran affects millions of civilians, disrupts religious pilgrimages, and strains diplomatic relations, highlighting Iraq’s precarious position amid U.S. sanctions and regional tensions.

Frequently asked questions

Why did the U.S. impose aviation sanctions on Iranian airlines?

The U.S. imposed sanctions to pressure Iran over its regional activities and nuclear program, targeting companies that do business with Iranian airlines.