Iraq allows 40 daily flights by Iranian airlines to and from Najaf airport

(AA): Iraq on Friday announced an agreement allowing Iranian airlines to operate up to 40 flights daily to and from Najaf International Airport, except for Mahan Air, the Iraqi News Agency reported.

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi welcomed what he described as the US government’s positive response to Iraqi efforts and its cooperation in granting the requested exemption.

Zaidi said the measure would facilitate travel, particularly for patients, religious pilgrims and tourists.

“Air travel does not merely represent transportation between two airports, but rather a bridge of communication between peoples,” he said.

He said Iraq conducts its foreign relations based on the interests of its people and seeks balanced and positive ties with different countries.

Separately, Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein said the resumption of flights to Iran supports efforts to build an Iraqi-US partnership based on mutual respect.

Hussein also welcomed what he described as US understanding of the importance of respecting religious freedom and facilitating access for visitors to holy sites.

The announcement came a day after Iran urged Iraq to lift restrictions on flights between the two countries, saying the measures had caused difficulties for pilgrims, patients, students and businesspeople.

Tehran blamed the restrictions on US sanctions and called on Baghdad to take steps to restore regular air links between the two countries.

Mahan Air is a privately operated Iranian airline that has been under US sanctions since 2011. The US Treasury designated the carrier for allegedly providing financial, material and technological support to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Quds Force.

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