Iraq moves to open two new border crossings with Saudi Arabia, Iran

BAGHDAD – Iraq is preparing to open two new border crossings with Saudi Arabia and Iran to expand regional trade and streamline travel, the Border Ports Authority said Thursday.

The authority’s council voted to move forward with the Al-Awaiqila crossing on the Saudi border and the Ali Al-Gharbi (Jalat) crossing with Iran, both seen as strategic points for economic development.

Ali Saadoun Al-Lami, a member of parliament from Maysan governorate, told Al-Sabah newspaper that Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani approved the Jalat project, located 30 kilometers from the Iranian city of Ilam. He called the crossing “an important economic shift for Maysan.”

“With Jalat, Maysan will have two border crossings with Iran, 120 kilometers apart, which will boost trade and economic activity with the neighboring country,” Al-Lami said.

Iraq’s border with Iran spans approximately 1,600 kilometers and includes around nine official crossings, among them Shalamcheh, Mehran/Zurbatiyah, and regional gateways such as Parwiz Khan and Haji Omaran in the Kurdistan Region.

The Al-Awaiqila crossing would provide Iraq with a second land route to Saudi Arabia. The Arar crossing is currently the primary point of entry between the two nations, whose shared border extends 811 kilometers.

Ala Al-Din Al-Qaisi, media director at the Border Ports Authority, said the council also discussed customs reforms during its latest meeting. Among the topics was the adoption of a final delivery document as a standard requirement, aimed at protecting shipping companies and traders.

He said both new crossings are part of a broader effort to enhance Iraq’s regional standing. “This step will strengthen Iraq’s commercial and regional position and open new horizons for economic cooperation with neighboring countries,” Al-Qaisi said.