US grants exemption for Iraqi Airways to resume pilgrim flights to Iran

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi and Transport Minister Wahb al-Hasani successfully negotiated a US exemption that permits Iraqi Airways to resume services to the Islamic Republic of Iran. The permission specifically covers Shia pilgrims moving between Najaf and Iranian sacred cities, alongside Iraqi students studying in Iran and patients seeking medical care there. An airport official reported that the airline has been cleared to fly, but a schedule has not been finalized.

The transport ministry indicated that flights should launch in October after necessary organisational steps are completed. This development follows Iraq's recent discussions with the United States after sanctions on Iran's aviation sector halted such routes.