Iraqi holy city suspends Iranian airlines, enforcing US sanctions

Iraq’s Najaf airport, a top destination for Shia Muslims, suspended all Iranian flights on Friday, enforcing US sanctions, the airport director told AFP.
Airport director Hussein Muhanna told AFP that “all flights were halted between Iran and Najaf airport following a directive from the prime minister’s office to the governor” of Najaf.
The airport in the holy city of Najaf, south of Baghdad, is a major hub for Iranian flights.
They mainly carry Iraqi Shia pilgrims to Iran’s holy cities or Iranians visiting sacred sites in Iraq. The flights also serve Iraqi students studying in Iran, and patients seeking medical treatment there.
The bond between Iraq and neighbouring Iran, both Sh...