Daijiworld Media Network - Baghdad
Baghdad, Oct 5: Iraq's Najaf International Airport received its first direct flight from Tehran, marking the official resumption of air services between Iraq and Iran following a US waiver, according to an airport statement.
The airport's director welcomed passengers arriving on a flight operated by Iran's Caspian Airlines, the airport said in a post on its official Facebook page on Sunday.
Video footage shared by the airport showed the aircraft being given a traditional water cannon salute upon arrival.
The resumption of flights followed an announcement by the Iraqi government on October 2 regarding an agreement allowing Iranian airlines, except Mahan Air, to operate 40 flights daily to and from Najaf International Airport.
A statement from the media office of Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi said the agreement followed cooperation from the US government in granting a requested exemption. The move is expected to facilitate travel for pilgrims and other passengers, particularly those travelling for medical treatment, religious visits and tourism.
Najaf International Airport had suspended all incoming and outgoing flights to and from Iran on September 25 following recent US Treasury Department sanctions targeting Iran's aviation sector. The sanctions suspended authorisations that had allowed non-US airlines to operate US-origin or US-controlled commercial aircraft into Iran.
Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi on Sunday said there was no military or sanctions-based solution to the conflict with the US and described diplomacy as the only way to end the hostilities.
Addressing ambassadors and representatives of countries and international organisations, Araghchi said, "There is no military or sanctions-based solution. Only a diplomatic solution can work and can help bring an end to the aggression against Iran."
The Iranian Foreign Minister expressed hope that the US would choose "wisdom and rationality", while asserting that Iran was more prepared than before if Washington opted for a military course, semi-official Tasnim News Agency reported.
Araghchi said Iran's delegation had held several meetings and interviews during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), where it presented a seven-day proposal aimed at resolving existing disputes and reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
Under the proposal, he said, the Strait of Hormuz would be reopened within seven days if the plan was accepted.
Araghchi said Iran had expressed its readiness during the UNGA to pursue a diplomatic solution to end the conflict while remaining committed to defending itself. He warned that Iran's response would be stronger if its adversaries again opted for military confrontation.
His remarks came amid continuing tensions surrounding the conflict and growing economic pressure on Iran.