US sanctions waiver to reopen Iran-Najaf air route for Shiite pilgrims

The US is set to grant a limited waiver to its Iran sanctions programme to allow flights carrying Shiite Muslim pilgrims between Iran and Iraq, Reuters reported, citing a person with direct knowledge of the matter.

The US Treasury Department waiver would allow Iraqi Airways to operate flights between Iran and the Shiite holy city of Najaf for one month, with the possibility of a more permanent exemption later, the source said.

Iraq had halted flights to and from Iran on Friday in line with US sanctions. The move disrupted a key travel route between the two neighbouring countries, particularly for pilgrims travelling to religious sites.

IRAQ SEEKS EXEMPTION

The proposed waiver comes after Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi's government sought exemptions from US sanctions for travel between Iran and Iraq for medical treatment, education and religious pilgrimage.

An Iraqi official said Baghdad was in talks with Washington over the Najaf exemption and expected flights between Iran and Najaf to resume within 48 hours.

The US State Department referred questions about the waiver to the Treasury Department, which had not immediately commented.

Iraq has been seeking to balance its relationship with Washington while maintaining its longstanding ties with neighbouring Iran.

SAFEGUARDS OFFERED

According to the source, Zaidi's government has offered safeguards for the flights, including strict passenger screening and information sharing.

Iraq has also assured Washington that the flights would not be used to transport weapons, sanctioned individuals or illicit funds.

The proposed arrangement would initially allow Iraqi Airways to operate the flights for one month, with the possibility of a longer-term waiver later.

NAJAF PILGRIMAGE ROUTE

Najaf is one of the most important Shiite religious centres in the world and attracts millions of pilgrims each year to the shrine of Imam Ali, the first Shiite leader. It is also home to Wadi al-Salam, regarded as the world's largest and oldest active Islamic cemetery.

The restrictions have placed Iraq in a sensitive position as it seeks to comply with US sanctions while maintaining religious and civilian travel links with Iran.

In recent days, countries including Turkey, the UAE and Iraq have cancelled or restricted direct flights with Iran amid US pressure. Iranian officials have threatened to halt regional air travel if Iran's air links continue to be cut.

The proposed waiver would provide a temporary channel for religious travel between Iran and Iraq while Baghdad continues discussions with Washington over broader exemptions.

- Ends