Iraq permits 40 daily Iranian airline flights to and from Najaf airport

Iraq announced that, following a short halt imposed to comply with U.S. sanctions, all Iranian airlines apart from Mahan Air are cleared to run 40 flights per day to and from Najaf International Airport. The suspension had been in place for a week, and the Iraqi prime minister's office said the decision came after the United States issued a one-month Treasury waiver to facilitate pilgrim travel. Baghdad had requested exemptions for religious pilgrimage, medical treatment and education trips.

The U.S. accuses Mahan Air of ferrying Revolutionary Guard personnel and weapons, so it remains excluded. Iraqi officials expressed appreciation for the U.S. response and the granted exemption.