Iraq has officially authorized Iranian airlines to operate up to 40 flights per day into the city of Najaf. This development comes after the Iraqi government successfully secured a waiver from the United States, which had previously imposed sanctions that restricted such aviation activities. The agreement is intended to facilitate travel between the two nations, particularly for religious pilgrims visiting holy sites in Najaf.

Despite the broad approval for Iranian carriers, the agreement includes a significant limitation: Mahan Air is explicitly excluded from the deal. The Iraqi government clarified that this exclusion is a direct result of the terms set by Washington in its waiver. While the increase in flight capacity is expected to boost tourism and regional connectivity, the continued restriction on Mahan Air highlights the ongoing influence of US sanctions policy on Iraq’s international aviation agreements. The move reflects Baghdad's attempt to balance its economic and religious ties with neighboring Iran while remaining compliant with American regulatory requirements.