**Flights Between Iraq’s Najaf and Iran Resumed Amid US Sanctions Tensions**
*Published on September 28, 2026*
Iraqi Airways has reinstated commercial flights between Najaf, a central province in Iraq, and various airports in Iran, as reported by the state-run Iraqi News Agency. This resumption of services occurred on Monday, following a temporary suspension of flights from Najaf and three other Iraqi airports. The suspension was prompted by concerns over potential secondary sanctions imposed by the United States, which target aviation services associated with Iran.
The decision to resume flights is significant as it allows Iraq's national carrier to navigate around the challenges posed by international contractors who had halted handling services for flights linked to Tehran due to fears of facing penalties under US sanctions.
On the same day that flights resumed, Iran lodged a formal complaint with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) regarding the US aviation sanctions. Abuzar Shiroudi, the head of Iran’s Civil Aviation Organisation, stated that efforts are being coordinated with Iran’s Foreign Ministry to legally resume flights. He also mentioned that the ICAO had previously ruled in favor of Iran concerning its protest against the US sanctions.
In addition to the ICAO complaint, Shiroudi revealed that Iran has approached the International Court of Justice in The Hague regarding attacks on its airports, aircraft, and radar systems. The case is currently under review, and any potential compensation will depend on the court's final decision.
Iran's civil aviation chief indicated that the country is seeking clarifications from various nations about the halted flight routes through diplomatic channels. Despite the sanctions that came into effect on September 23, which threaten foreign airports and companies that service sanctioned Iranian airlines with secondary penalties, Iranian aviation has not been entirely grounded. Reports from Iran's semi-official Fars news agency noted that flights to East Asia from Tehran’s Imam Khomeini International Airport continue to operate without cancellations.
However, the sanctions have led to the cancellation of flights by Iranian airlines from airports in Azerbaijan, Georgia, Iraq, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates. The situation highlights the ongoing complexities and challenges faced by Iranian aviation in light of international sanctions and geopolitical tensions.
As the situation develops, the resumption of flights between Najaf and Iran may serve as a crucial link for travelers and may indicate a gradual easing of tensions surrounding air travel in the region.