Brief

Iraq’s Najaf Flights Resume After US Sanctions Waiver

Iraqi Airways resumed commercial flights between Najaf and Iranian airports on Monday after a US Treasury waiver allowed the service for one month, according to a source with knowledge of the decision.

By Felo News Desk · Published Tue, 29 Sep 2026 02:13:22 GMT

Iraqi Airways has restarted commercial flights between the central province of Najaf and Iranian airports on Monday, following a waiver granted by the US Treasury Department to allow travel for Shiite pilgrims. The move comes after the Iraqi government halted flights to and from Iran on Friday in line with US sanctions, and after Tehran filed a UN complaint over the sanctions that had forced regional cancellations.

US sanctions waiver and Iraqi response

A person with direct knowledge of the deliberations said the waiver would permit Iraqi Airways to fly back and forth between Iran and Najaf for one month, with a more permanent exemption potentially following. The decision was aimed at easing pressure on Iraq’s Prime Minister Ali al‑Zaidi, who has sought to deepen ties with Washington while balancing a strong relationship with Iran.

Flight resumption and regional impact

According to Iraq’s state‑run News Agency, the flights restarted after Najaf and three other Iraqi airports temporarily suspended services due to fears of secondary sanctions targeting aviation services linked to Tehran. The resumption allows Iraq’s flag carrier to bypass standoffs with international contractors whose fears of secondary penalties had halted handling services for flights linked to Tehran.

International reactions

Earlier in the day, Iran filed a formal complaint with the International Civil Aviation Organization over US aviation sanctions, as reported by Iran’s official IRNA news agency. Iran’s Civil Aviation Organisation chief Abuzar Shiroudi told IRNA that the complaints were part of a broader effort to challenge the sanctions regime.

In the same week, Iraq had sought a US exemption for flights between Baghdad and Iran, following new aviation sanctions that halted all Iranian airline traffic. The move comes amid protests, diplomatic statements from both sides, and concerns over regional stability.

Key facts

Iraqi Airways resumed flights between Najaf and Iran on Monday (aljazeera.com)
US Treasury granted a waiver allowing flights for one month (deccanchronicle.com)
Iraq halted flights to and from Iran on Friday due to US sanctions (deccanchronicle.com)
Iran filed a UN complaint against US sanctions (aljazeera.com)
Iraq’s Prime Minister Ali al‑Zaidi seeks deeper ties with Washington while balancing relations with Iran (deccanchronicle.com)

Background

Earlier Felo coverage on 26 September reported Iraq’s government seeking a US exemption for flights between Baghdad and Iran after new aviation sanctions halted all Iranian airline traffic. The suspension had forced long land journeys and sparked public protests in Baghdad and Najaf.

Timeline

2026-09-26 — Iraq seeks US exemption for Iranian flights
2026-09-28 — Flights between Najaf and Iran resumed after US waiver
2026-09-29 — US Treasury grants limited waiver for flights

Why it matters

The resumption of flights eases travel for Shiite pilgrims and reduces economic strain on Iraq, while testing the limits of US sanctions enforcement in the region.

What happens next

Iraqi Airways will monitor the waiver’s duration and potential extension, while Iraq continues negotiations with the United States for a permanent exemption.