Iraq is engaged in direct discussions with the United States to seek exemptions for some of its airports from US sanctions targeting Iranian airline flights. Four Iraqi airports suspended all flights to and from Iran on September 22, 2026, following the announcement of new aviation sanctions by Washington on global companies conducting business with Iranian airlines.
The Iraqi prime minister’s office stated on September 23, 2026, that US exemptions for Baghdad would permit flights to resume on humanitarian grounds related to medical treatment, education, religious visits, and civilian interests. Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi’s media office emphasized the need for dialogue to de-escalate regional tensions, warning that ongoing crises complicate the situation further.
With flights to Iran halted at Baghdad, Najaf, Erbil, and Sulaimaniyah airports, passengers are now required to undertake land journeys of at least 12 hours. Iraq and Iran, both Shia-majority countries, have significant travel connections, particularly for Iraqi Shia Muslim pilgrims traveling to Iran’s holy sites.
On September 23, 2026, a large protest occurred in Baghdad against the flight suspensions, organized by Iran-allied Iraqi militias. Additionally, dozens of scholars and students from the Hawza of Najaf, a prominent Shia seminary, held a vigil condemning the flight suspension and urging the government to uphold Iraqi sovereignty.
Iraq’s ambassador to Tehran, Yasser al-Hajjaj, indicated that the flight suspension would be temporary and would not impact bilateral relations. He noted that Baghdad is in communication with Iranian authorities to restore normal air traffic promptly. Al-Hajjaj highlighted the deep ties between Iraq and Iran, citing approximately 100,000 Iraqi students in Iran and a significant Iraqi community residing there.
Iranian ambassador to Iraq, Mohammad Kazem al-Sadegh, confirmed that officials from both countries are in contact, and a new decision regarding flights is expected soon. Al Jazeera’s Jack Hewson reported from Baghdad that Iraq is in a challenging position, balancing its alliances with both the US and Iran, and faces economic repercussions from the ongoing tensions.