Iraq seeks US exemption from ban on flights to and from Iran

Iraq is seeking an exemption from a US-imposed ban affecting flights connected to Iran, with officials in Baghdad pushing for dialogue with Washington to de-escalate regional tensions tied to sanctions on Iranian airlines, according to Al Jazeera.

The request comes as the Iraqi government, under Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, navigates its close ties with both the United States and Iran, two influential powers with competing interests in Iraqi affairs.

Balancing regional relationships

Iraq has long sought to maintain working relationships with both Washington and Tehran, a balancing act complicated by US sanctions targeting Iranian aviation and other sectors. An exemption would allow certain flight operations to continue without running afoul of the sanctions regime.

Officials in Baghdad have emphasized diplomacy as the preferred path forward, framing the request as part of a broader effort to reduce friction in the region rather than take sides in the broader US-Iran dispute.

There was no immediate confirmation from US officials on whether an exemption would be granted, and the outcome of Iraq's request remained unresolved at the time of the report.