Iran-Iraq Religious Flights Resume After US Sanctions Exemption
What Happened
The US is preparing a one-month sanctions waiver allowing Iraqi Airways to operate flights between Iran and the Iraqi holy city of Najaf, after air services were suspended due to US sanctions concerns. The move aims to restore travel for thousands of Shia Muslim pilgrims visiting the Imam Ali Shrine, one of Islam's holiest sites.
Key Takeaways
The waiver provides immediate relief to religious travelers while helping Iraq balance its ties with both the US and Iran. Washington is also considering whether the exemption could be extended or made permanent.