Deputy speaker threatens extraordinary session over Iranian flight ban

BAGHDAD — Parliament’s first deputy speaker called the enforcement of restrictions on Iranian airlines at Iraqi airports “hasty, ill-considered and contrary to the Iraqi Constitution,” warning that parliament could hold an extraordinary session and act against those responsible if the decision is not reversed.

Unilateral U.S. sanctions are not an international obligation binding on Iraq without a legal basis or an enforceable commitment, Adnan Faihan said, adding that Iraq should not become “a partner in the blockade on the Islamic Republic.” He warned that Iran could respond by cutting gas supplies, which he said could remove 30% to 40% of Iraq’s generating capacity and lengthen power cuts affecting hospitals, water treatment and other services. The restrictions would also hurt religious tourism and travel companies and cut revenue from transit fees and aviation services, particularly at Baghdad and Najaf, he said. He has submitted parliamentary questions asking the government how it will compensate affected businesses and workers.

Faihan is Asaib Ahl al-Haq’s most senior office-holder, elected first deputy speaker in December as the candidate of Sadiqoun, its political wing, and formerly head of its political bureau. His warning came the same day Asaib’s leader Qais al-Khazali said Iraq was participating in “this unjust and unfair blockade” of Iran. The Badr bloc and Harakat al-Nujaba have also objected.

The government said Saturday it was in direct talks with Washington to exempt some Iraqi airports so flights for medical treatment, education and religious visits could resume. Najaf airport suspended all flights to and from Iran from 2 a.m. on Friday, on a directive an airport source said came from the prime minister’s office. Earlier in the week one official said private ground-handling companies had stopped serving Iranian aircraft for fear of sanctions, while another said the Foreign Ministry had instructed the Transport Ministry to halt support.