Iraqi Airways flights between Iran and the city of Najaf have resumed operations since Monday. These flights were halted due to new U.S. restrictions on Iranian airlines, and their resumption is the result of the efforts of the Prime Minister of Iraq, Ali Al-Zaydi, as well as internal protests, particularly from groups affiliated with Iran.
Efforts of the Prime Minister of Iraq to Resume Flights
The official Iraqi news agency announced that flights between Najaf and "Iranian airports" have resumed, and this has occurred due to "serious efforts by Ali Al-Zaydi." Previously, Yasser Abdallah Zahra Al-Hujjaj, the Iraqi ambassador to Iran, explained that the halt of flights was due to concerns regarding U.S. sanctions.
Read more: Iran warns about the ban on flights to neighbors
Risks from U.S. Sanctions
The Iraqi ambassador stated: "The government has not issued any decision to stop flights with Iran; rather, foreign ground service companies have refrained from providing services due to fears of U.S. sanctions." These remarks reflect the complexities of Iraq-Iran relations and the impacts of U.S. foreign policies on these relations.
The resumption of flights can be seen as a sign of improving relations between the two countries, especially as Iraq acts as a bridge between Iran and other countries. This move also helps strengthen economic and cultural ties between the two nations.
In recent years, relations between Iraq and Iran have been influenced by regional political and economic developments. Many analysts believe that the resumption of flights indicates Iraq's efforts to maintain good relations with Iran and to counter external pressures.
This action can also be interpreted as a message to the people of Iraq that the Iraqi government is responsive to the needs of the nation and is striving to preserve national interests. Given the current regional conditions and economic challenges, the resumption of flights could contribute to the development of trade and tourism between the two countries.
Read more: Iran and the United States will soon hold separate negotiations with mediators · The United States grants a sanctions exemption for flights between Iran and Najaf
