The United States confirmed it will grant a limited waiver for flights operating between Iran and Najaf in Iraq. This waiver would permit Iraqi Airways to conduct flights between Iran and Najaf for a period of one month. Iraq had previously suspended all flights to and from Iran on Friday. The move reportedly aims to ease pressure on the Iraqi government led by Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi. Zaidi's office stated that Iraq sought an exemption for travel between Iran and Iraq for purposes including medical treatment, education, and pilgrimage. An Iraqi official reported that the Iraqi government was discussing the Najaf exemption with the US and anticipated flights resuming between Iran and Najaf within 48 hours.
Furthermore, Turkiye, the UAE, and Iraq had previously cancelled direct flights with Iran. To safeguard the flights, Zaidi offered to provide safeguards, including rigorous screening and information sharing, and ensuring the flights would not facilitate the transfer of weapons, sanctioned individuals, or illicit money. Barring these flights could potentially cause severe backlash against Iraq's government by uniting Shia followers of Iran's supreme leader and those who follow Iraq's Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani.
