Iraq's prime minister's office announced Friday that the United States granted sanctions exemptions allowing Iranian airlines to operate flights to Najaf, the Shia holy city, according to the statement reported by Middle East Eye.
The exemption permits Iranian carriers, excluding Mahan Air, to operate 40 daily flights to and from Najaf. The deal came after Najaf airport suspended all Iranian flights the previous week in compliance with US sanctions.
The US imposed new sanctions on Iranian airlines last month as part of its broader economic pressure campaign against Iran. The exemption represents a carve-out from those sanctions specifically for pilgrim and traveler access to Najaf, which is sacred to Shia Muslims and draws visitors from across the region and beyond.
The announcement reflects competing pressures on Iraq. The country faces US sanctions enforcement while maintaining significant religious, cultural and economic ties to Iran. Najaf's suspension of Iranian flights had disrupted travel for pilgrims and others seeking to reach the holy city.
The exemption applies to most Iranian carriers but specifically excludes Mahan Air, a Tehran-based airline. The US has designated Mahan Air as a sanctions target in connection with its listing as a supporter of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.