US Lifts Sanctions on Fly Baghdad, Maintains Hardline Stance on Iran

A US Treasury Department official stated that the decision to delist the airline was made following an internal review process. The official stressed that the move does not indicate a change in Washington’s firm stance against Iran. “This does not indicate a shift in US policy towards the Government of Iran, the IRGC Quds Force, any terrorist organisation, or individuals acting on their behalf,” the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. Fly Baghdad was sanctioned in January 2024 over accusations of supporting the Quds Force and its proxy militias in Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon. Meanwhile, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent revealed on Tuesday the potential for a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within days, as both nations engage in intensive talks regarding access to the strategic shipping lane. This diplomatic effort follows a mutual agreement to halt military strikes that had escalated over the previous weekend.