Iranian airlines resumed flights to the Iraqi city of Najaf on Sunday after the United States granted Baghdad an exemption allowing sanctioned Iranian carriers to operate there, AFP reported, citing its correspondent at the airport.

Najaf is a holy city for Shia Muslims. Hussein Muhanna, an official at Najaf airport, told AFP that flights between Iraq and Iran "have resumed via Najaf International Airport".

The first flight was operated by Caspian Airlines, which AFP's correspondent saw land at 5:15 pm (1415 GMT).

On Friday, the Iraqi government said it had reached an agreement with Washington allowing Iranian airlines, except Mahan Air, to run up to 40 daily flights to and from Najaf. The city is home to one of the most revered shrines in Shia Islam.

Iraq enforced the US ban on Iranian carriers last month, leaving travellers scrambling for alternatives. The impact was most visible at Najaf airport, which is a major hub for Iranian flights and the main Iraqi destination for them.

Iranian airlines mainly carry Shia pilgrims travelling to holy cities in Iran, as well as Iranians visiting sacred sites in Iraq. They also serve Iraqi students studying in Iran and patients travelling there for medical treatment, AFP said.

The US has also granted a waiver to Iraqi Airways, the national carrier, to fly between Najaf and Iran. Those flights are expected to begin this month.

US sanctions on Iranian airlines are part of Washington's efforts to pressure Tehran's economy, AFP reported. The two sides have yet to make peace in a conflict that has lasted for months.

Source: AFP