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Iraq seeks US exemptions to restore Iranian flights amid regional sanctions
New United States sanctions targeting the Iranian aviation sector have caused widespread disruptions to air travel across the Middle East. The US Treasury Department has sanctioned 27 Iranian airlines and 36 entities, leading several regional countries to suspend flights. The United Arab Emirates has halted all Iranian airline operations, while Turkey and Oman have suspended flights from Mahan Air.
In Iraq, all major airports, including Najaf, Erbil, and Sulaymaniyah, have enforced the ban, causing significant logistical challenges. The Iraqi government, led by Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, is currently engaged in direct negotiations with Washington to secure exemptions for specific airports. Baghdad seeks to restore flights for humanitarian purposes, including medical treatment, education, and religious pilgrimages, which are vital for the movement of thousands of citizens.
The flight suspensions have triggered domestic unrest in Iraq, with protests reported in Basra and Baghdad. Iraqi officials have warned of potential economic consequences, particularly for the Najaf region, where Iranian flights account for approximately 60% of total traffic, impacting local hotels, restaurants, and airport staff. Meanwhile, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has characterized these measures as part of a broader campaign to achieve the economic isolation of Iran.
Entities
Ali al-Zaidi · Government of Iraq · Iran · Iraq · Mohammad Kazem al-Santegh · Najaf International Airport · Scott Bessent · United States · United States government
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 7 SOURCES] The Iranian Ambassador to Iraq stated that a decision regarding the resumption of flights will be made soon. www.capital.gr · www.thestival.gr · www.insider.gr · www.in.gr · www.zougla.gr · +2 more
- [● 7 SOURCES] Prior to the flight suspensions, 12,000 to 13,000 passengers traveled daily via 40 flights between Iran and Iraq. www.capital.gr · www.thestival.gr · www.insider.gr · www.in.gr · www.sofokleousin.gr · +2 more
- [● 19 SOURCES] Iraq is negotiating with the US to exempt specific airports from sanctions targeting Iranian airlines. www.aviationnewsbd.com · www.deshebideshe.com · aftabnews.ir · www.capital.gr · news.gooya.com · +13 more
- [● 7 SOURCES] The US Treasury Department sanctioned 36 entities in the Iranian aviation sector, including 27 airlines. news.gooya.com · www.aviationnewsbd.com · www.deshebideshe.com · www.myrepublica.nagariknetwork.com · www.sofokleousin.gr · +1 more
- [● 2 SOURCES] Protests have occurred in Basra and Baghdad in response to the flight restrictions. aftabnews.ir · 964media.com
- [● 19 SOURCES] The goal of the exemption is to resume flights for medical treatment, education, and religious pilgrimages. www.aviationnewsbd.com · www.deshebideshe.com · aftabnews.ir · www.capital.gr · news.gooya.com · +13 more
- [● 3 SOURCES] Turkish authorities revoked the operating license of Bank Mellat. bilbaohiria.com · www.businessdaily.gr · www.ot.gr
- [● 3 SOURCES] The UAE Central Bank prohibited Bank Melli branches from conducting transactions with Iran. bilbaohiria.com · www.businessdaily.gr · www.ot.gr