Iraq seeks US exemption to resume Iranian flights

An Iran Air plane on the ground at Dubai International airport on September 14, 2017, with an Emirates Boeing 777 landing in the background. Photo: GIUSEPPE CACACE/AFP/Getty Images Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – The Iraqi government revealed on Saturday that it is holding discussions with the US administration to obtain an exemption for certain Iraqi airports from the ban on Iranian airline flights imposed under US sanctions, citing the disruption caused to traveling patients, students, and pilgrims. According to the Iraqi Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the Iraqi government is engaged in direct talks with the US side to exempt specific Iraqi airports from these measures. The exception would allow for the resumption of flights for humanitarian grounds, which include medical care, education, religious pilgrimages, and civilian interests. Iranian airlines primarily handle the transport of Iranians traveling to Iraq in large numbers to visit the shrines of Shiite Imams, as well as Iraqis flying to Iran for religious pilgrimages, studies, or medical treatment. Iraq joined several other nations in suspending Iranian flights to and from its territory after US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that all Iranian airlines will cease operations as of September 23. Under the new measures, any country or firm that provides services to Iranian aircraft is completely removed from the global US dollar system. The services include fueling airplanes, offering ground handling and landing services, and selling passenger tickets.