The resumption follows a period of heightened tension after Iraq suspended flights in late September due to US warnings that servicing Iranian aircraft could lock Iraqi airports out of the US dollar system. The blockade sparked protests and threats from Kataib Hezbollah to close Iraq's airports to foreign states if flights did not resume by October 1. As part of a broader agreement, the US also authorized Iranian airlines to operate 40 daily flights to and from Najaf, though Mahan Air remains excluded due to sanctions.
Wednesday, October 21, 2026
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Iraqi Airways Lands First Foreign Commercial Flight in Tehran Since February
Geopolitics13 days ago
The Iraqi national carrier’s plane touched down in the Iranian capital on October 8 after receiving a limited sanctions exemption from Washington. This flight from Najaf International Airport marked the first landing by a foreign commercial airline in Tehran since February 28 and will operate as a round-trip service, according to Iranian media. The US Treasury granted the waiver to allow Iraq to maintain critical civilian air links and ease travel for medical and religious needs.
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