US to allow Iraqi Airways flights between Iran and Najaf for Shi'ite pilgrims

On September 28, 2026, the US administration was set to grant a limited waiver to its Iran sanctions to allow Iraqi Airways to fly between Iran and Najaf, Iraq, for one month, carrying Shi'ite pilgrims. This came after Iraq halted flights to Iran on Friday. The waiver was intended to ease pressure on Iraq's government, which balances ties with both Washington and Tehran. An Iraqi official expected flights to resume within 48 hours. The move was part of broader US sanctions that have led several countries to cancel flights with Iran.