Shafaqna English- Iraqi airlines are set to resume flights between Najaf and Iranian airports following efforts by the Iraqi government, while restrictions on Iranian aircraft landing at Iraqi airports remain in place, according to Iraqi state media. The development comes as hundreds of Iraqi citizens gathered in Najaf to protest the restrictions and call for the immediate resumption of Iranian flights.
According to Shafaqna, the Iraqi News Agency (INA) reported that, following direct efforts by Prime Minister Faleh Al-Zyadi, Iraqi airlines will resume flights between Najaf and airports in Iran. The decision effectively authorizes Iraqi carriers to operate the route, but does not lift the restrictions imposed on Iranian aircraft.
Al Arabiya/Al-Hadath also reported that talks between the Iraqi government and U.S. envoy Tom Barrack resulted in the agreement to resume flights between Najaf and Iran. The reports said Baghdad had not obtained a U.S. exemption allowing Iranian aircraft to land at Iraqi airports.
Earlier on Monday, Iraq’s ambassador to Iran, Yasser Abdulzahra Al-Hajjaj, said Najaf International Airport would soon be ready to receive flights from Iran.
The development followed a protest in Najaf, where hundreds of Iraqi citizens objected to what they described as U.S. dictates and the restrictions on Iranian flights at Iraqi airports. In a statement issued after the gathering, the protesters called for the immediate cancellation of the ban on Iranian flights, an end to any restrictions on Iranian pilgrims visiting the holy sites, and support for the Iranian people amid the current crisis.
The statement also called for Iraq to maintain the independence of its decision-making, reject foreign dictates and prioritize national interests. The protesters warned against further escalation and urged the authorities to address public demands with flexibility and wisdom in order to preserve stability.
Source: Shafaqna Persian, INA