Iraq will allow Iranian airlines other than Mahan Air to operate up to 40 daily flights to and from Najaf International Airport after flights were suspended last week in line with US sanctions. The measure follows a one-month US Treasury waiver for flights carrying Shi'ite Muslim religious pilgrims between Iran and Iraq. Baghdad had also sought exemptions for travel related to medical treatment and education. The restrictions disrupted air links between the neighboring countries and raised concerns among airport service providers about potential US penalties. Mahan Air remains excluded because the United States accuses it of transporting Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps personnel, weapons and drones. Earlier disruptions affected Baghdad, Erbil and Sulaimaniyah, while services at Najaf partially resumed. US sanctions had reduced flights to and from Tehran’s Imam Khomeini international airport by 42%, according to FlightRadar24.