The Iraqi prime minister’s office announced on Friday that the United States has granted a specific exemption to sanctions currently imposed on Iran, permitting Iranian airlines to operate flights to and from the holy city of Najaf. This development follows the implementation of broad US sanctions last month, which were designed to exert economic pressure on the Iranian aviation sector.

Under the terms of the agreement, Iranian carriers are authorized to conduct up to 40 flights daily between Iran and Najaf, a city of significant religious importance to Shia Muslims. However, the exemption is not universal; the Iraqi government confirmed that Mahan Air remains excluded from this waiver and is prohibited from operating these flights. The move represents a notable carve-out in the broader US policy of isolating Iran’s economy, acknowledging the unique logistical and religious ties between the two neighboring nations.