Baghdad, September 26, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Iraq has opened direct talks with the United States to secure sanctions exemptions for certain Iraqi airports, seeking to restore flights to and from Iran for humanitarian purposes after US measures disrupted air links between the two countries.
The office of Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi said the requested exemptions would facilitate travel for medical treatment, education, religious visits and other civilian needs. Baghdad also reiterated its call for dialogue to resolve regional conflicts and warned that a prolonged crisis could further complicate the situation.
The move follows the suspension of Iranian flights at several Iraqi airports after Washington imposed new sanctions targeting Iran’s aviation sector. The US measures have raised concerns over the ability of foreign airlines and aviation companies to continue providing services involving sanctioned Iranian carriers.
Najaf International Airport suspended all incoming and outgoing flights to and from Iran from 2 am local time on Friday under instructions from the relevant authorities, according to Iraqi and Chinese state media reports. Airlines and operating companies were directed not to take operational measures concerning the suspended services until further instructions are issued.
Baghdad International Airport had also stopped receiving Iranian aircraft earlier in the week. The suspension has affected routes used by Iranian pilgrims travelling to religious sites in Iraq, as well as Iraqi students and patients travelling to Iran.
The US Treasury earlier this month expanded sanctions targeting Iran’s aviation sector and warned foreign companies that provide support to sanctioned Iranian airlines that they could face consequences. The measures have also affected air services involving other countries in the region.
Meanwhile, Iraq on Thursday signed an agreement to take over the US Embassy’s diplomatic support centre at Baghdad International Airport. The agreement was signed by Iraqi Deputy Foreign Minister Mohammed Hussein Bahr Al-Uloom and US Embassy charge d’affaires Steven Fagin.
The Iraqi Foreign Ministry said the handover forms part of procedures linked to the conclusion of the US-led international coalition’s military mission and the withdrawal of foreign forces, in line with the September 30 timeline.
Bahr Al-Uloom described the move as part of Iraq’s transition towards a new phase of bilateral relations with the United States, with greater emphasis on economic, development and energy cooperation.
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