Baghdad, September 27 (V7N)- Iraq has opened talks with the United States seeking exemptions for certain Iraqi airports from restrictions imposed on airlines operating flights to and from Iran, according to a statement from the media office of Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi.
The proposed exemptions would allow the resumption of essential air services linked to humanitarian assistance, medical treatment, education and religious pilgrimages, the statement said.
The move follows the suspension on Friday, September 25, of all passenger flights between Iraq and Iran involving four Iraqi airports. The suspension came days after the United States announced new aviation-related sanctions targeting companies worldwide that conduct business with Iranian airlines.
Iraqi authorities are concerned that a prolonged disruption of air connections with Iran could affect passengers traveling for critical humanitarian, medical, educational and religious purposes.
Amid heightened tensions in the Middle East surrounding the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran, Baghdad has also called for dialogue and a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
The Iraqi statement said all parties should engage in dialogue and negotiations to bring an end to the ongoing crisis and conflict, with the aim of reaching a solution that protects the interests of countries and peoples across the region.
Iraq's discussions with Washington are therefore focused on securing limited exemptions that would enable essential air links with Iran to continue while addressing the impact of the U.S. restrictions .
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