US Considers Sanctions Waiver for Iran-Iraq Pilgrim Flights
The US Treasury Department is considering a limited sanctions waiver to allow Iraqi Airways to operate flights for Shi'ite pilgrims between Iran and Iraq.
The United States Department of the Treasury is considering a limited waiver to its Iran sanctions program to permit flights carrying Shi'ite Muslim pilgrims between Iran and Iraq. The proposed waiver would allow Iraqi Airways to operate flights to and from the holy city of Najaf for one month, with the potential for a permanent arrangement.
This deliberation follows a September 22 order by Iraq to suspend Iranian flights to Baghdad airport after the United States threatened sanctions against any airport servicing Iranian carriers. Iranian airlines have already been barred from several neighboring countries, including Oman and the United Arab Emirates.
Iranian officials have responded to these restrictions with threats against regional infrastructure. Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council Mohsen Rezaei warned that airports in countries cooperating with the United States would no longer be able to operate flights. Lead Iranian adviser Mohammad Mokhber added that if Iran is denied flight and airport access, no other country in the region would maintain that possibility.
