Oil prices surge as Trump reportedly mulls pre-midterms strikes on Iran

The first commercial flight by a foreign airline to Iran since the Middle East conflict began landed on Thursday, following a U.S. sanctions waiver for Iraq’s national carrier, Iraqi Airways, to operate flights to Iran. The flight, originating from Najaf, Iraq, landed in Tehran and was part of a round-trip service. This development comes after the U.S. granted an exemption for Iraqi Airways to transport pilgrims between Iran and Najaf. Additionally, the Iraqi government secured an agreement allowing Iranian airlines, except Mahan Air, to fly to Najaf. These moves follow U.S. restrictions on Iran’s aviation industry, which led to the cancellation of international flights by major Iranian airlines. Meanwhile, Yemen’s Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for a ballistic missile attack on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport, marking their third attack on the airport in a week. This escalation is part of the ongoing conflict between the Houthis and the Yemeni government, which reignited in July. The situation highlights the broader regional tensions, including recent Iranian attacks on a U.S. military base in Kuwait. QUESTION: How might the resumption of flights between Iraq and Iran impact the relationship between these countries and the broader Middle East region?