Baghdad's Exemption Request
Iraq has entered direct negotiations with the United States over an exemption from American sanctions that would permit Iranian airline flights to certain Iraqi airports. The office of Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi confirmed the talks. Baghdad has framed its request around humanitarian needs, listing medical treatment, education and religious visits as the travel purposes it wants restored. The Iraqi government has also said it is working to reduce regional tensions, cautioning that drawn-out crises would make the situation harder to manage and urging all sides to pursue dialogue and negotiation.[S1]
Washington's Escalating Pressure
Washington has been tightening economic pressure on Tehran through secondary sanctions aimed at foreign companies that do business with Iranian firms. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said companies working with Iranian airlines would be shut out of the dollar system. The measures have already forced Iranian carriers to suspend service to several neighbouring countries, among them Iraq, the United Arab Emirates and Oman. Iran's Civil Aviation Organization announced that ticket sales to Najaf, home to the shrine of Imam Ali, had been halted.[S1]
Najaf and Baghdad Routes Suspended
The Iranian consulate in Najaf reacted sharply to the restrictions, expressing anger and questioning why the route serving Iranian pilgrims had been closed. Flights to Baghdad were suspended on Wednesday, even though Iranian state media had earlier indicated the Najaf route would stay open. The publication noted that an extended flight ban could intensify Iran's isolation and aggravate its economic difficulties.[S1]
