Iraq: We are in dialogue with Washington to exempt certain airports from the ban on Iranian flights - Sarmad

The Iraqi government said on Saturday that it is holding direct talks with the United States to exempt certain Iraqi airports from measures taken by the U.S. Treasury Department regarding the ban on flights by Iranian airlines to airports in the region, amid U.S. efforts to tighten sanctions on Tehran.

The media office of the Iraqi Prime Minister stated that, given the measures adopted by the U.S. Treasury Department concerning flights by Iranian airlines to airports in the region, including those in Iraq, the Iraqi government is engaging in direct dialogue with the U.S. side to secure exemptions for some Iraqi airports from these measures, thereby allowing the resumption of air flights for humanitarian purposes, including medical treatment, education, religious visits, and civilian interests.

The Iraqi government added that while it is working to de-escalate tensions in the region, it affirms that the continuation of crises complicates the situation, and calls on all parties to engage in dialogue and negotiations to reach solutions that end the current crisis and conflicts, in a manner that serves the interests of the countries and peoples of the region.

Washington announced that it will impose sanctions on any companies worldwide that deal with Iranian airlines after September 23, with the aim of grounding the Iranian civil aviation fleet globally.