Iran has called on Iraq to remove remaining restrictions affecting flights between the two countries, following US sanctions targeting Iranian airlines.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry described the US measures as “illegal and inhumane,” accusing Washington of disrupting Iran’s trade and air transportation through the enforcement of sanctions beyond US borders.
Flights between Iran and Iraq resumed partially earlier this week, with services between Iran and Najaf restarting on Monday. However, flights remain suspended at Baghdad, Erbil and Sulaimaniyah airports.
The disruption has forced passengers to undertake land journeys of at least 12 hours and has affected religious pilgrims travelling between Iran and Iraq.
The restrictions have also triggered protests in several Iraqi cities, including Najaf, Nasiriya, Karbala and Amarah.
The United States introduced the aviation restrictions on September 23, targeting companies that conduct business with Iranian airlines. Since then, flights to and from Tehran’s Imam Khomeini International Airport have reportedly fallen by 42 percent, according to FlightRadar24.
Iraq has previously asked Washington for an exemption from the restrictions on humanitarian grounds, including medical treatment, education, religious visits and civilian travel.
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