US Grants Limited Approval for Iraqi Airways Flights to Iran, Citing Specific Conditions
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced that Iraqi Airways can resume passenger flights between Iran and Iraq under a restricted license, provided these flights originate from and return solely to Najaf International Airport. This decision comes as Iraq had previously ceased flights to and from Iran in compliance with U.S. sanctions.
The authorization specifies that these flights are permitted exclusively for transporting Iranian nationals visiting religious sites. Cargo is limited to passengers’ personal belongings and essential items necessary for flight safety. The license prohibits the transfer of high-volume cash, shipments related to Iranian intelligence, military, or law enforcement entities, as well as individuals under U.S. sanctions. Individuals associated with the Iranian government and groups described as being aligned with Iran are also barred from using these flights.
The validity of this license extends until October 28, 2026. OFAC has reserved the right to revoke or modify the license, particularly if Iraq fails to meet its commitments regarding the restriction of Iranian flights within its airspace. Iraqi Airways is also obligated to provide OFAC with data on passenger numbers, passport details, and financial expenditures in Iran for fuel, maintenance, and airport services within ten working days after the license expires.
This development follows protests and a sit-in by hundreds of individuals outside Najaf Airport. Iraqi Airways had announced the resumption of its flights to Iranian airports via Najaf Airport. Previously, the Iraqi Ambassador to Iran, Yaser Abdulzahra Hajaj, stated that the government had not decided to halt flights but that foreign ground service companies had withdrawn due to fear of U.S. sanctions. Iraq’s official news agency (WAA) quoted the ambassador stating that the Iraqi government, particularly Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaydi, is making continuous efforts to resume air travel between the neighboring countries of Iraq and Iran.
