US to Grant Limited Sanctions Waiver for Iran-Iraq Flights to Najaf
On Monday, the Trump administration planned to announce a temporary waiver for its Iran sanctions, allowing flights for Shiite Muslim pilgrims between Iran and Iraq, as revealed by an insider. This waiver, issued by the US Treasury Department, will enable Iraqi Airways to operate flights between Iran and Najaf, a significant Shiite city in Iraq, for a duration of one month. The insider indicated that a more enduring waiver might be considered later. Following US sanctions, Iraq had suspended flights to and from Iran on Friday. This action aims to alleviate pressure on Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi's government, which is trying to strengthen ties with Washington while maintaining a close relationship with Iran.
Key facts
- The US Treasury Department was set to grant a limited waiver to the Iran sanctions program on Monday.
- The waiver would allow Iraqi Airways to fly religious pilgrims between Iran and Najaf for one month.
- A more permanent waiver could potentially follow, according to the source.
- Iraq halted flights to and from Iran on Friday in line with US sanctions.
- The waiver aims to ease pressure on the Iraqi government of Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi.
- Al-Zaidi has sought to deepen ties with Washington while balancing a strong relationship with Iran.
- The source has direct knowledge of the matter and is involved in the deliberations.
- The flights would carry Shiite Muslim religious pilgrims to and from the Shiite holy city of Najaf.
Entities
Institutions
- US Treasury Department
- Iraqi Airways
- US government
- Iraqi government
Locations
- Iran
- Iraq
- Najaf
- Washington