Iraqi airports halt Iranian flights after new US aviation sanctions

Four Iraqi airports, including Baghdad, Najaf, Erbil, and Sulaimaniyah, have suspended all flights to and from Iran following the US announcement of new sanctions against Iranian airlines. This escalation is part of increased sanctions since the US launched Operation Economic Outcast in August to economically isolate Iran. The suspension impacts Najaf airport, a key hub for Shia pilgrims from Iraq and Iran, who will now have to travel overland for at least 12 hours.