**Iran Urges Iraq to Lift Flight Restrictions Amid US Sanctions**
*October 2, 2026*
Iran has formally requested that Iraq eliminate the remaining flight restrictions imposed due to US sanctions, aiming to fully restore air travel between the two neighboring countries. This appeal comes in the wake of partial flight resumption at Najaf International Airport, which occurred earlier this week.
On Thursday, the Iranian Foreign Ministry issued a statement condemning what it termed the “illegal and inhumane” actions of the United States, which it claims disrupt Iran’s trade and aviation activities through the extraterritorial enforcement of its sanctions. The ministry emphasized the need for an “independent and responsible approach” to address the ongoing issues affecting the movement of millions of citizens between Iran and Iraq.
The resumption of flights between Najaf and Iran was reported by the Iraqi News Agency, which credited Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi for his “diligent efforts” in facilitating this development. However, flights to and from other major Iraqi airports, including Baghdad, Erbil, and Sulaimaniyah, remain suspended. This has forced many travelers to undertake lengthy land journeys of at least 12 hours, significantly disrupting pilgrim traffic, particularly in Shia-majority regions.
Protests have erupted across Iraq in response to the flight suspensions, with demonstrators gathering outside Najaf International Airport and in cities such as Nasiriya, Karbala, and Amarah. These protests reflect the frustration of citizens affected by the travel restrictions and the broader implications of US sanctions on Iranian aviation.
Iraq's ambassador to Iran, Yasser Abdulzahra al-Hajjaj, stated that Baghdad has not officially decided to suspend Iranian flights. However, foreign ground-handling companies have been hesitant to provide services, citing fears of US sanctions. This has further complicated the situation and contributed to the ongoing delays in restoring full flight services.
The US sanctions, which took effect on September 23, target any company conducting business with Iranian airlines, leading to a significant reduction in Iran's international air connections. According to aviation monitoring service FlightRadar24, flights to and from Tehran’s Imam Khomeini International Airport have decreased by 42 percent, with routes to several countries, including Georgia, Oman, and Azerbaijan, halted entirely. Additionally, flights to Dubai have been suspended since the sanctions were implemented, although services to China have remained stable, and the route to Turkiye has only seen a 19 percent decline.
The Iraqi government has sought an exemption from the US sanctions on humanitarian grounds, arguing that the restrictions impact essential activities such as medical treatment, education, and religious visits.
As the situation continues to evolve, both Iran and Iraq are navigating the complexities of international relations and the repercussions of US sanctions, with the potential for further developments in air travel and diplomatic ties between the two nations.