TEHRAN – Large numbers of people held protests in the shrine cities of Najaf and Karbala to express their strong opposition to the Iraqi government’s decision to suspend direct flights between Iran and Iraq at the Trump administration’s order.
Tehran Times is a state-owned English-language Iranian daily. This is a translation of that outlet's own report; it is the outlet's account, not Artesh's finding.
See what Iranian state media is saying today.
🏛️ Iranian State Media
Iraqis Protest Suspension of Flights with Iran Due to U.S. Influence
Sep 28, 2026
September 28, 2026
1 min read
📰 Tehran Times
📋 Key Takeaway
Protests erupted in Najaf and Karbala against the Iraqi government's decision to suspend direct flights with Iran, which was influenced by the Trump administration. The demonstrations reflect the strong opposition among Iraqis to foreign interference in their national policies. This situation highlights the complex relationship between Iran and Iraq amidst external pressures.
🔍 Quick Context Guide
💡 Bottom Line:
The protests underscore the resistance against foreign influence in Iraq and the enduring ties between Iraq and Iran.
👥 Key Players
Iraqi Government
MENTIONED
Decision-maker on flight policies
"Their decisions reflect Iraq's sovereignty and response to external pressures, particularly from the U.S."
Trump Administration
MENTIONED
Influencer of Iraqi policies
"Their foreign policy decisions impact regional dynamics and Iraq's relationship with Iran."
Iran
MENTIONED
Neighboring country and key partner to Iraq
"Iran's influence in Iraq is significant due to historical, religious, and economic ties."
Iraqi Protesters
MENTIONED
Citizens expressing dissent
"Their protests indicate public sentiment against foreign interference in national governance."
📰 What Happened
Protests erupted in Najaf and Karbala against the Iraqi government's decision to suspend direct flights to Iran, influenced by the Trump administration. The demonstrators voiced their opposition to perceived foreign interference in Iraq's domestic affairs.
- Protests occurred in key religious cities, Najaf and Karbala.
- The flight suspension was reportedly ordered by the Trump administration.
💡 Why It Matters
🇮🇷 For Iran: The protests signify strong public support for Iran, challenging the Iraqi government's alignment with U.S. policies.
🌍 Regional: This incident may exacerbate tensions between pro-Iran factions in Iraq and U.S. interests in the region.
🌐 International: It illustrates the complexities of U.S.-Iran relations and how they affect regional stability.
📚 Background
Iraq has a history of foreign influence, particularly from the U.S. and Iran, which complicates its internal politics and sovereignty. The suspension of flights is seen as a direct result of U.S. pressure on Iraq to limit its ties with Iran.
U.S.-Iran relations
Iraq's political landscape
📡 Source:
NEUTRAL
📊 Confidence:
70%
The article presents a straightforward account of events without overt bias, but the context may reflect broader geopolitical narratives.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
🌐
Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →
Translation confidence: 100%
📰 Related Coverage
Just now •
Trump: Negotiations with Iran are progressing well but are not trustworthy
14 min ago •
Bolsonaro Has Fled Brazil with the Help of a Former Mossad Agent
20 min ago •
Why Do Some People See Spirits or Sense the Presence of an Invisible Being?
38 min ago •
The Necessity of Public Cooperation with Energy Consumption Management Programs/The Government Must Take Optimization Seriously
44 min ago •