Iran's Foreign Ministry urges Iraq to lift flight restrictions due to US sanctions pressure

Iraq: Iraq shares extensive borders and cultural ties with Iran, supporting significant religious pilgrimage, commercial, and family travel between the countries. Its government has responded to US sanctions threats by directing civil aviation authorities to suspend Iranian flights at airports including Baghdad and Najaf. Officials have sought exemptions to resume limited services for essential travel. United States: The United States enforces sanctions programs against Iran that include secondary measures targeting aviation service providers to restrict the country's international air operations. Under President Donald Trump, these policies have influenced neighboring states like Iraq to implement flight suspensions. The administration has considered targeted waivers for specific routes such as pilgrim travel. Iran's Foreign Ministry: Iran's Foreign Ministry conducts the country's foreign policy and manages diplomatic relations with other nations. It recently issued a statement blaming US sanctions for disrupting air travel and trade with Iraq while urging Baghdad to lift flight restrictions. This action highlights its role in addressing bilateral connectivity issues amid external pressures. Bilateral Travel: Iraq has engaged in discussions with the US about limited exemptions for pilgrimage, medical, and educational flights between the two countries. Diplomatic Response: Iran's Foreign Ministry has publicly condemned the extraterritorial reach of US measures as illegal and urged Iraq to restore normal bilateral air links. Sanctions Enforcement: US secondary sanctions on aviation services have prompted Iraq to halt Iranian flights at multiple airports to avoid penalties on local operators.