IRAQ: Iraqi Airways Resumes Najaf-Iran Flights After Al-Zaidi Efforts

• Iraqi Airways resumed flights between Najaf and Iranian airports on Monday after efforts by PM Ali Al-Zaidi to secure a waiver from potential US sanctions.
• Iraqi Ambassador to Iran Yasser Abdul-Zahra Al-Hajjaj confirmed Najaf Airport would open to Iranian flights.
• The Iraqi government led by PM Al-Zaidi continues efforts to resume flights between Iraq and Iran, Abdul-Zahra told INA.
• The government issued no decision to halt flights with Iran, but foreign ground-handling companies avoided services due to US sanctions fears.
• Al-Zaidi's office over the weekend said that Iraq was seeking an exemption from US sanctions ​for travel between Iran and Iraq for medical treatment, education and pilgrimage.
• The United States has repeatedly warned all airports and groundhandlers across the globe they risk OFAC sanctions should they continue to deal with Iranian airlines beyond September 23.

Sources:

• Ina
• Kurdistan24
• Ina
• Reuters