Ali Al-Zaydi, the new Prime Minister of Iraq, has sparked a wave of discontent and protests in various Iraqi cities with his decision to cancel flights to and from Iran. Yesterday, Baghdad, Basra, and Najaf witnessed large gatherings against this government decision.
Serious Impacts on Bilateral Relations
This action, following U.S. air sanctions against Iran, has been taken by Al-Zaydi's government and will have serious implications for the relations between the two neighboring countries. Millions of Iraqis who travel to Iran as tourists, traders, and students are now facing significant difficulties in their travels. Annually, over 3 million Iraqi tourists visit Iran, generating billions of dollars in revenue for the Iranian economy.
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Additionally, around 100,000 Iraqi students are studying at Iranian universities and have an urgent need for flights between the two countries. Iraqi officials, in response to domestic pressures, have announced that they are in talks with U.S. officials for an exemption from air sanctions.
Protests and Threats from Resistance Groups
Iraqi resistance groups, including the Kata'ib Sayyid al-Shuhada, have strongly condemned this decision and threatened to stage sit-ins and shut down airports if the Baghdad government does not reconsider. The group's Secretary-General, Abu Alaa al-Walai, stated in a statement that "Iraq does not deserve to be part of the unjust siege against Iran" and urged parliament members to work towards issuing a resolution opposing this decision.
The political and social atmosphere in Iraq has become highly tense, and it is likely that if Al-Zaydi's government does not change its stance, internal unrest will escalate. Observers predict that this unrest could lead to Al-Zaydi's downfall.
Meanwhile, the U.S. government continues to pressure Al-Zaydi's administration to minimize relations with Iran and impose its demands on Baghdad through economic coercion. Al-Zaydi, who has traveled to New York to attend the annual United Nations General Assembly, is negotiating with the American side to secure oil dollars.
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