Iran has urged Iraq to lift ongoing flight restrictions and restore normal air travel between the two countries. The Iranian Foreign Ministry emphasized respect for Iraq’s sovereignty while calling for actions that would ease these restrictions, which have significantly affected hundreds of thousands of passengers, including pilgrims, patients, students, and businesspersons.
The ministry also attributed the flight limitations to U.S. sanctions, which it described as “economic terrorism” aimed at disrupting Iran’s trade and aviation ties. This situation highlights the historical, cultural, and religious connections between Iran and Iraq, emphasizing that transportation links should be managed in a cooperative manner that serves the interests of both nations.
In related news, Iraqi Airways announced plans to resume flights to Iran in October, having secured a special exemption from U.S. sanctions affecting Iranian airlines. This move follows a previous suspension of flights by several countries, including Iraq, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Oman, and the UAE, due to renewed U.S. sanctions on Iran’s aviation sector.
