Iraq says it got US exemption for Iranian flights to and from holy city

The Iraqi prime minister's office announced on Friday that the United States has granted a sanctions exemption allowing certain Iranian airlines to operate flights to the Iraqi holy city of Najaf. The agreement permits up to 40 daily flights between the two countries, though the waiver explicitly excludes Mahan Air from participating in these operations.

This development occurs as the United States continues its broader policy of applying economic pressure on Iran. The exemption facilitates travel for religious pilgrims to Najaf while maintaining specific restrictions on Iranian aviation entities identified by Washington.