Iraq Seeks U.S. Exemption From Ban on Iranian Airlines
· World · The Hindu, Al Jazeera, Arab News
The Iraqi government is holding direct talks with the United States to secure an exemption from a strict ban on Iranian airlines. All Iraqi airports enforced the ban this week, causing major disruptions at the airport in the holy city of Najaf, which serves as the main destination for Iranian flights. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced that Iranian airlines would be shut down, prompting Iraq to follow several nations in enforcing the measures. Baghdad is seeking humanitarian exceptions for medical patients, students, and Shia pilgrims who rely on these routes. The disruption has left travellers scrambling for alternatives, including a 12-hour land journey home.
Why it matters
The ban strands thousands of pilgrims, students, and medical patients who rely on cross-border flights between Iraq and Iran for essential travel.
Read the original report — The Hindu
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