The Trump administration was set to grant a limited waiver to its Iran sanctions program to allow flights carrying Shi'ite Muslim religious pilgrims between Iran and Iraq, according to a person with direct knowledge of the matter cited by multiple outlets.
The waiver would apply to flights connecting Iran and the Iraqi city of Najaf, a Shi'ite holy site, according to the reports.
According to the Jerusalem Post, a source said the waiver would allow Iraqi Airways to fly to and from Najaf for one month, with the possibility of a more permanent waiver being put in place later.
The development was reported as occurring around Sept. 28, according to Reuters.
How each side covered it
Center
- Reuters, South China Morning Post and The Straits Times reported the US was set to grant a limited sanctions waiver.
- The waiver would allow flights carrying Shi'ite Muslim pilgrims between Iran and Najaf, Iraq.
- Reuters attributed the report to a person with direct knowledge of the matter, dated around Sept. 28.
“US to grant sanctions waiver for flights between Iran and Iraq's Najaf, source says” — Reuters
Right
- The Jerusalem Post reported the administration was considering the waiver, citing a source.
- The report specified Iraqi Airways would be allowed to fly to and from Najaf for one month.
- The source suggested a more permanent waiver could follow the initial one.
“Trump administration considers waiver to allow Iraqi flights for pilgrimage in Iran - report” — The Jerusalem Post
Questions readers ask
What did the Trump administration reportedly decide regarding Iran sanctions?
According to a source with direct knowledge of the matter, the Trump administration was set to grant a limited waiver to its Iran sanctions program allowing flights carrying Shi'ite Muslim religious pilgrims between Iran and Najaf, Iraq.
Which airline would be affected by the waiver?
According to the Jerusalem Post, the waiver would allow Iraqi Airways to fly to and from Najaf, Iraq, for one month.
Why does Najaf matter in this story?
Najaf is a Shi'ite Muslim holy city in Iraq, and the waiver concerns flights carrying religious pilgrims between Iran and Najaf, according to the sources.
Could the waiver become permanent?
According to a source cited by the Jerusalem Post, a more permanent waiver could potentially be put in place after the initial one-month period.
Sources · 6 outlet reports
- Al Jazeera EnglishLeft-leaningFlights between Iraq’s Najaf and Iran resumed as Tehran protests US curbs
- Arab NewsCenterUS to grant sanctions waiver for flights between Iran and Iraq’s Najaf, source says
- ReutersCenterEXCLUSIVE: US to grant sanctions waiver for flights between Iran and Iraq's Najaf, source says
- South China Morning PostCenterUS to grant sanctions waiver for flights between Iran and Iraq’s Najaf, source says
- The Straits TimesCenterUS to grant sanctions waiver for flights between Iran and Iraq's Najaf, source says
- The Jerusalem PostRight-leaningDonald Trump administration weighs limited sanctions waiver for Iran-Iraq flights