US to grant sanctions waiver for flights between Iran and Iraq’s Najaf, source says
US Waiver May Restore Iran–Najaf Pilgrim Flights
Bdbusinessdaily.com – The US to grant sanctions waiver for flights between Iran and Iraq’s holy city of Najaf, according to a source familiar with the discussions. The proposed measure would provide a limited exception for Shi’ite Muslim pilgrims travelling on the sensitive religious route.
The waiver is expected to allow Iraqi Airways to operate Iran–Najaf flights for one month. US officials could then consider whether to extend the arrangement or allow it to expire.
Iraq suspended flights to and from Iran on Friday, 25 September, amid US sanctions pressure. Reopening the Najaf route would address a major concern for Baghdad because religious travel between the neighbouring countries has deep spiritual and political importance.
Iraq Seeks Room to Balance Its Relationships
Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi has sought stronger engagement with Washington while preserving Iraq’s longstanding ties with Iran. The planned exemption would help Baghdad manage the competing pressures created by those relationships.
The Trump administration has pursued an economic blockade intended to weaken Iran, prompting governments in the region to reassess commercial and transport connections with Tehran. The anticipated US to grant sanctions waiver decision would be a narrow exception rather than a change to the wider policy.
For Iraq, air links with Iran involve more than routine travel. Shi’ite Muslims regularly cross between the two countries to visit shrines, attend religious observances, seek medical care, study and maintain family connections.
Zaidi’s office said Baghdad was pursuing exemptions for medical, educational and pilgrimage-related travel. An Iraqi official said discussions with the United States over the Najaf route were continuing and that flights could resume within 48 hours.
Why Access to Najaf Is So Sensitive
Najaf is one of the most important cities in Shi’ite Islam. It is home to the shrine of Imam Ali, whom Shi’ites regard as the first leader of the community after the Prophet Muhammad.
The city is also a major centre of religious learning and is known for its vast, historic Islamic cemetery. Millions of visitors travel to Najaf each year, making access to the city an especially important issue for pilgrims and Iraqi authorities.
Restrictions on travel from Iran could provoke public anger if worshippers believe access to sacred sites is being constrained by outside political pressure. They could also bring together groups aligned with Iran’s supreme leader and followers of Iraq’s Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, potentially complicating US efforts to curb Iranian influence in Iraq.
The proposed waiver would apply to a specific religious route and would not represent a broader easing of US sanctions on Iran.
Security Conditions and Regional Disruption
Zaidi has offered safeguards aimed at assuring Washington that the route would not weaken sanctions enforcement. These include strict passenger screening, information-sharing measures and controls intended to prevent aircraft from transporting weapons, sanctioned people or illicit funds.
Details of those protections were not immediately disclosed. The State Department referred questions to the Treasury Department, which oversees sanctions policy, and Treasury had not immediately commented on the prospective waiver.
Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and Iraq have cancelled direct flights to Iran in response to US pressure. Iranian officials have warned that continued loss of external flight connections could lead Tehran to halt regional air travel.
If approved, the US to grant sanctions waiver arrangement would offer a short-term solution for Iraqi Airways and pilgrims travelling to Najaf while leaving the broader sanctions campaign intact.
FAQ: Iran–Najaf Flight Waiver
What would the waiver allow?
It would permit Iraqi Airways to operate flights between Iran and Najaf for one month, subject to the terms set by US authorities.
Would the waiver end US sanctions on Iran?
No. The exception would be limited to the Iran–Najaf route and would not alter the broader US sanctions approach.
Why are Najaf flights important?
Najaf is a key destination for Shi’ite pilgrims, religious students and visitors to the shrine of Imam Ali. Travel restrictions can therefore have significant religious and political consequences in Iraq.