Iraq says in talks with US to exempt some airports from restrictions on Iranian airlines
Note: AI technology was used to generate this article’s audio.
- Baghdad is negotiating with Washington to exempt some Iraqi airports from restrictions affecting Iranian airlines.
- The proposed exemptions would allow flights for medical treatment, education, religious visits and other civilian needs to resume.
Iraq is holding direct talks with the United States to secure exemptions for some Iraqi airports from restrictions affecting Iranian airlines, Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi’s media office said Saturday.
The proposed exemptions would allow Iranian flights to resume for humanitarian and civilian purposes, including medical treatment, education and religious visits, according to a statement issued by al-Zaidi’s office.
Read more: UAE bars Iranian airlines as US sanctions squeeze Iran’s aviation sector
The talks follow the suspension of flights between Iraq and Iran at four airports: Baghdad, Najaf, Erbil and Sulaimaniyah.
The suspensions came after Washington introduced new measures targeting Iranian airlines and warned foreign companies providing services to them that they could face US penalties.
The restrictions have particularly affected passengers traveling for religious pilgrimages, medical care and education. Najaf is a major destination for Iranian travelers and a key hub for religious visits, while flights also serve students and patients traveling between the two countries.
Al-Zaidi’s office said the Iraqi government was seeking exemptions as part of efforts to reduce the impact of the restrictions on civilians.
The statement also called on all parties to pursue dialogue and negotiations to resolve the ongoing regional crises in a way that serves the interests of countries and peoples across the region.
The talks come as restrictions on Iranian aviation expand across the region. The UAE has suspended flights operated by Iranian airlines, while Iranian routes to other regional destinations have also been disrupted.
No agreement on the requested Iraqi exemptions has been announced.
