The United States has granted Iraq an exemption from sanctions on Iran, allowing the transport of pilgrims to and from Najaf, العربية reported on Tuesday. The move clears the way for Iraqi Airways to restart its flights to Iran under what the BBC described as a special American exemption.
The exemption comes with strict conditions, according to مونت كارلو الدولية, which reported that the renewed Najaf–Iran route would operate under tightened rules. عاجل also reported that Iraq was preparing to resume flights with Iran through Najaf airport.
The arrangement does not signal a broader easing of pressure on Tehran. The BBC reported that Washington simultaneously imposed sanctions on individuals and entities accused of purchasing weapons on Iran's behalf. الشرق الأوسط reported that the US also delivered a serious warning to Baghdad against violating the air blockade.
The details of the exemption's conditions, and the scope of the sanctions announced alongside it, were not fully laid out in the reporting available.
What to watch next: whether Iraqi Airways confirms a restart date for the Iran routes and whether Washington clarifies the terms attached to the exemption.
