US set to allow limited Iran-Iraq flights under sanctions waiver

Baghdad : The United States is set to grant a limited waiver from its Iran sanctions programme to allow flights carrying Shia Muslim pilgrims between Iran and Iraq, a source familiar with the discussions told Reuters.

The US Treasury waiver is expected to allow Iraqi Airways to operate flights between Iran and the holy city of Najaf for one month. A longer-term exemption could follow.

Iraq suspended flights to and from Iran on Friday after the US sanctions took effect. An Iraqi official said talks with Washington were under way and that flights to Najaf could resume within 48 hours.

The Iraqi government had sought exemptions for travel linked to religious pilgrimages, medical treatment and education. The proposed arrangement would include safeguards to ensure flights are not used to transport weapons, sanctioned individuals or illicit funds.

Najaf attracts millions of Shia pilgrims each year, making the air link with Iran particularly important for religious travel.