Iran-Iraq flights to resume after U.S. sanctions waiver for Najaf
Iranian and Iraqi airlines are set to resume flights between the two countries on Sunday after Iraq secured a U.S. exemption for Iranian carriers serving Najaf International Airport. The waiver follows a suspension caused by sanctions-related concerns among Iraqi airport service companies.
By DoomRadar · Published on DoomRadar . Updated .
Based on two sources with available article excerpts. Source-linked claims are not independent confirmation.
Event date: On October 2, 2026, Iraq’s foreign minister said the U.S. Treasury had approved an exemption for religious pilgrimage flights to Iraqi holy sites. [1]
What happened
Iraq’s Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein said on October 2 that U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent had approved an exemption from secondary sanctions for religious pilgrimage flights involving Iranian aviation and Iraqi holy sites. [1]
References for this detail (1)
- US Treasury approves waiver for Iranian flights to Iraqiraqinews.com · Article published: Oct 3, 2026, 8:09 AM UTC
The exemption specifically provides legal clarity for Iranian carriers operating to and from Najaf International Airport, according to the account of the U.S.-Iraqi discussions. Najaf is described as a major destination for travelers visiting religious sites. [1][2]
References for this detail (2)
- US Treasury approves waiver for Iranian flights to Iraqiraqinews.com · Article published: Oct 3, 2026, 8:09 AM UTC
- Iran, Iraq to resume flights after US sanctions waiverpresstv.co.uk · Recorded source date: Oct 4, 2026, 2:46 AM UTC
Iranian and Iraqi airlines were expected to resume services on Sunday after the waiver. Iran’s Civil Aviation Organization chief, Captain Abuzar Shiroudi, urged passengers to confirm schedules with airlines or departure airports before traveling. [2]
References for this detail (1)
- Iran, Iraq to resume flights after US sanctions waiverpresstv.co.uk · Recorded source date: Oct 4, 2026, 2:46 AM UTC
The suspension had affected Iranian flights to Baghdad, Najaf, Erbil and Sulaymaniyah. Iraqi airport service companies reportedly refused services to Iranian aircraft after Washington imposed a new round of sanctions on Iranian airlines. [2]
References for this detail (1)
- Iran, Iraq to resume flights after US sanctions waiverpresstv.co.uk · Recorded source date: Oct 4, 2026, 2:46 AM UTC
Context from the sources
The reported discussions also covered broader U.S.-Iraq economic and security ties, regional fiscal stability and the effects of sanctions enforcement on Iraq’s domestic economy, beyond the specific aviation exemption. [1]
Explore the sources and reporting timeline
2 source links · 2 domains
These counts describe the references, not independent confirmations. Different outlets can repeat the same original report.
Source timeline
Oldest to newest among the available source dates, not a chronology of the incident. Article publication dates come from the source; other recorded dates may reflect when a link was found.
- [1] US Treasury approves waiver for Iranian flights to Iraqiraqinews.comReferenced for: detail 1, detail 2
- [2] Iran, Iraq to resume flights after US sanctions waiverpresstv.co.ukReferenced for: detail 2, detail 3, detail 4
Questions answered by the reporting
Which flights does the waiver cover?
The reported exemption covers Iranian carriers operating services to and from Najaf International Airport, particularly flights linked to religious pilgrimage travel. [1][2]
Why were the flights suspended?
Iraqi airport service companies reportedly stopped supporting Iranian aircraft after new U.S. sanctions on Iranian airlines, fearing secondary sanctions. [2]
What this could mean for you
Some passengers may still face cancellations or schedule changes.
Airlines and airport service providers must implement the sanctions exemption and restore handling arrangements.
Reported basis: [2] · The possible effect is interpretation.
Depends on: The waiver must be accepted and operationalized by the relevant carriers and Iraqi airport companies.
Possible time frame: days, if those conditions hold.
Possible consequences, not a forecast. Their relevance depends on your location and the conditions above.
For your country
Choose a country to check how this event could affect you.
What changes the outlook
Risk increases if…
Airport service providers continue to withhold support because they remain uncertain about sanctions exposure.
Pressure eases if…
The U.S. waiver is implemented across the affected Iranian-Iraqi routes and airlines publish stable schedules.
Still unclear
The sources do not establish whether every previously suspended route will resume at the same time.
The duration and detailed legal terms of the exemption are not specified.
Market implications
Market impact
Sources (2)
References for the reported details. Separate links do not necessarily mean independent confirmation.
Available excerpt
Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – Iraqi Minister of Foreign Affairs Fuad Hussein announced on Friday, October 2, 2026, that U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent has…A short excerpt from our source record; open the original for the full article.
Available excerpt
Iranian and Iraqi airlines are set to resume flights between the two countries on Sunday after Baghdad secured a US exemption allowing Iranian carriers to…A short excerpt from our source record; open the original for the full article.
AI-assisted analysis · . Based on linked headlines and available excerpts. Methodology · Report an error.