Iraq said it has begun talks with Washington to exempt Iraqi airports from the measures imposed by the US Treasury on Iranian airline flights to airports across the region, including Iraq, in a move aimed at resuming Iranian flights for humanitarian reasons.
The government said the discussions focus on reopening some air routes so travel can continue for treatment, study, religious visits, and civilian needs, while Iraq’s ambassador in Tehran said the suspension is temporary and does not affect the depth of Iraq-Iran relations.
Baghdad Seeks Exemption for Some Airports From US Measures
The Prime Minister’s media office said in a statement that the Iraqi government is holding direct talks with the US side to exempt some Iraqi airports from the recent US measures targeting Iranian airline flights to airports in regional countries.
It said the goal is to allow air travel to resume for humanitarian reasons related to treatment, education, religious visits, and civilian interests. Baghdad said it is following the issue with the relevant sides to reduce the impact of the current restrictions.
Government Calls for De-escalation and Dialogue
The statement added that Iraq is working to calm tensions in the region and believes that continued crises only make the situation more complicated.
Baghdad called on all sides to pursue dialogue and negotiation to reach solutions that would end the current crisis and conflicts, in a way that serves the interests of the countries and peoples of the region.
Iraqi Ambassador in Tehran Says Suspension Is Temporary
Iraq’s ambassador to Tehran, Yasser Al-Hajjaj, said the suspension of flights between Iraq and Iran is temporary and does not affect the deep ties between the two countries.
He said the Iraqi government is continuing its intensive efforts and contacts to restore air travel between the two countries to normal, out of concern for the interests of both peoples and to facilitate movement for citizens and travelers.
Importance for Students and the Iraqi Community in Iran
Al-Hajjaj said the resumption of flights is not only about tourism and travel, but also affects a large number of Iraqis living and studying in Iran.
He said there are nearly 100,000 Iraqi students in Iranian educational institutions, along with a large Iraqi community estimated at hundreds of thousands, as well as thousands of travelers moving daily between the two countries through airports and other crossings.
Relations Go Beyond the Current Disruption
The ambassador said Iraq is continuing contacts and coordination with the relevant authorities in Iran to address the exceptional circumstances that led to the suspension, in order to resume flights and restore normal travel as soon as possible.
He said Iraq-Iran relations are deeper than any temporary disruption and that the historic, social, cultural, and mutual interests shared by both peoples provide a solid basis for continued cooperation and coordination.
A File That Mixes Politics and Everyday Needs
The issue reflects both the political and humanitarian sides of air travel between Iraq and Iran. Baghdad is trying to ease the effect of US restrictions on Iraqi airports while also protecting the interests of students, visitors, and members of the Iraqi community.
It also shows that Iraq is treating the issue as part of a broader regional balancing act, while keeping communication channels open with both Washington and Tehran.
Conclusion:
Iraqi officials say resuming Iranian flights is now a practical and humanitarian priority, as Baghdad pushes for exemptions for some airports from US measures. While the government sees the suspension as temporary, it is working to restore normal air travel quickly and protect the interests of travelers and bilateral ties.
