Iran’s Foreign Ministry asked Iraq to bypass US restrictions on airlines and resume flights with Iran.
In a statement issued on Friday, the ministry described the US sanctions against Iran as “illegal and inhumane.” The statement pointed to the historical, religious and cultural ties between the Iranian and Iraqi peoples and also underscored the close relations between the two countries.
Flight restrictions affect various groups
The ministry said the restrictions imposed on civil aviation activities were inconsistent with the shared interests and concerns of both sides. The flight restrictions were causing serious problems for thousands of people visiting holy sites in the two countries, as well as for patients, students and economic actors.
The statement said the restrictions were clearly incompatible with the nature of Iran-Iraq strategic relations and the principle of good neighborliness. Tehran said it respected Iraq’s sovereignty and called for the restrictions on flights operated by airlines in the two countries to be lifted. The ministry also called for appropriate decisions to be taken to restore normal conditions.
Iraq holds talks with the US for an exemption
The Iraqi government said it was engaged in “direct dialogue” with Washington to exempt some airports from US measures.
Iraqi Airways announced on Tuesday that it was ready to resume flights to and from Iran via Najaf International Airport in October. The company said a special exemption had been obtained to operate flights to Iran as a result of the government’s efforts; however, it did not specify which institution had granted the exemption, how long it would last or what conditions it carried.
Iraqi Airways said the process was being carried out on the instructions of Prime Minister Ali Zeydi and under the supervision of Transport Minister Wahb al-Hasani.
Flights canceled on September 23
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent had announced on September 22 that the operations of Iranian airlines would be halted worldwide as of September 23. Following the announcement, flights between Tehran and Baghdad and between Tehran and Muscat were canceled on September 23.
Tensions continue after negotiations between Iran and the US stalled, while navigation in the Strait of Hormuz was also among the contentious issues in the talks. Disputes around the strait, which is of strategic importance for global energy and goods shipments, were among the factors making progress in the negotiations more difficult.
