The United States is considering an exemption for Iraqi Airlines to resume flights with Iran

The source, who is participating in the deliberations, explained that the exemption that the US Treasury intends to grant will allow Iraqi Airlines to operate flights between Iran and the Iraqi city of Najaf for a period of one month, with the possibility of a longer exemption being approved at a later time.

The Iraqi News Agency reported on Monday that Iraqi Airlines had resumed its flights between the city of Najaf and Iranian airports. Meanwhile, Iraq suspended flights to and from Iran on Friday in compliance with US sanctions.

The source told Reuters that this step aims to reduce pressure on the Iraqi government led by Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, who seeks to consolidate relations with Washington, in addition to achieving balance in his strong relationship with Iran at the same time.

US President Donald Trump's efforts to impose a stifling economic blockade on Iran are forcing Middle Eastern governments to reduce their relations with the Islamic Republic, creating a potential violent reaction against those countries, especially those that maintain a balance in their relations with both Washington and Tehran.

Al-Zaidi's office announced over the weekend that Iraq is seeking an exception for travel between Iran and Iraq for the purposes of medical treatment, education, and religious visits. The US State Department referred questions to the Treasury Department.

During the past few days, countries including Türkiye, the UAE, and Iraq canceled direct flights with Iran as a result of American pressure.

Given the influx of Shiite visitors every year between Iran and Iraq to visit the major holy cities, Iraq may be in a more sensitive position. Najaf, a center for religious studies, attracts millions of visitors annually.

The source told the agency that banning flights between the two countries may cause a violent reaction against the Iraqi government by uniting the ranks of Shiites who follow the Iranian Supreme Leader and Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, the religious authority for Shiites in Iraq, thus undermining American efforts aimed at limiting Iranian influence in Iraq.

The source indicated that Al-Zaidi offered to provide guarantees for these flights, including strict inspection procedures and information exchange, as well as ensuring that the flights are not used to transport weapons, sanctioned individuals, or illicit money.