US grants limited waiver to allow flights between Iran and Iraq for religious pilgrims, amid tensions over Hormuz strait security. The waiver allows Iraqi Airways to fly between the two countries for one month, with potential for a permanent exemption.
The waiver comes as Iraq halts flights to Iran in line with US sanctions, aiming to ease pressure on Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi. The move is intended to balance ties with both Washington and Tehran, though it risks uniting Shi'ite communities under different leadership.
The US Treasury Department is under pressure as countries like Turkey and the UAE cancel flights with Iran, prompting Iranian officials to threaten to halt regional air travel. The situation highlights the complex dynamics between regional governments and US sanctions.
Iran's state media denies plans for talks with the US, rejecting Trump's call for resumed negotiations. Iranian officials insist that only diplomacy can resolve the conflict, though they remain prepared for potential escalation.