First International Flight Lands in Tehran Since 40-Day Iran War

The first international passenger flight to Iran since the end of the 40-day US-Israeli war has landed at Tehran’s Imam Khomeini International Airport, marking the resumption of foreign air traffic after weeks of suspension. An Iraqi Airways flight arrived in Tehran on Thursday morning after departing from the Iraqi holy city of Najaf.

Iranian and Iraqi airlines have agreed to restore flights between the two countries following diplomatic efforts by Baghdad to secure a US exemption allowing Iranian carriers to operate flights to and from Najaf International Airport. International air services to Iran had been suspended during the conflict, while US sanctions on Iran’s aviation sector also affected companies providing services to Iranian airlines.

Iraq had sought exemptions from Washington to facilitate air links, particularly for religious pilgrimages as well as medical and educational travel. The US and Israel launched military operations against Iran on February 28, followed by a ceasefire on April 8. Tehran and Washington later signed a Pakistan-brokered memorandum of understanding on June 17 aimed at ending hostilities and preparing for further negotiations, although Iran subsequently accused Washington of violating the understanding.