Oct 2 (Reuters) – Iranian airlines excluding Mahan Air are allowed 40 daily flights to and from Iraq’s Najaf international airport, the Iraqi prime minister’s office said on Friday, following a suspension of flights due to US sanctions.
• Iraq had halted flights to and from Iran last week, in line with US sanctions
• Reuters reported earlier this week that the US was set to grant a one-month US Treasury waiver to allow for flights carrying Shi’ite Muslim religious pilgrims between Iran and Iraq
• The Iraqi government had sought exemptions for travel related to pilgrimage, medical treatment and education
• “The Prime Minister appreciates the positive response shown by the US government to Iraqi efforts and its cooperation in granting the requested exemption,” the statement said
• The US accuses Iranian carrier Mahan Air of transporting Iran’s Revolutionary Guards personnel, as well as weapons and drones.
(Reporting by Muayad Hameed; Editing by Aidan Lewis)
