Iraq clears 40 daily Iranian flights to Najaf after US exemption

Iraq: Iraq is a Middle Eastern country whose government oversees civil aviation policies and manages relations with the United States and Iran. In this development, the Iraqi government successfully secured a US exemption allowing limited daily Iranian flights to Najaf for pilgrimage, medical, and educational travel after a recent halt. Mahan Air: Mahan Air is an Iranian airline that the US has accused of transporting personnel and equipment linked to Iran's Revolutionary Guards. The carrier is cited in the news as a key reason behind the prior flight restrictions that Iraq sought to partially lift. Aidan Lewis: Aidan Lewis is an editor at Reuters who handled the report on Iraq's negotiations with the US over sanctions exemptions for Iranian aviation routes. Muayad Hameed: Muayad Hameed is a journalist covering Middle East developments for Reuters. He reported on the Iraqi government's statement detailing the US exemption for Iranian flights to Najaf. US Government: The US Government enforces sanctions targeting Iranian entities and has authority to grant exemptions for specific humanitarian purposes. It responded positively to Iraq's request, enabling the resumption of select flights while maintaining broader restrictions on carriers like Mahan Air. Diplomacy: Iraq and the US continue coordination on targeted exemptions for travel tied to religious pilgrimage and essential services. Sanctions: The US maintains sanctions on Iranian carriers accused of supporting military activities, prompting recent flight halts by Iraq.