Iraq to close all border crossings with Iran gradually, starting Wednesday

BAGHDAD — Iraq will begin gradually closing its border crossings with Iran on Wednesday, Oct. 21, starting with the al-Sheib crossing in Maysan governorate, under directives from Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, an official source with knowledge of the matter has told 964media.

The source said al-Sheib would close at 6 a.m. Wednesday to both commercial shipments and passenger traffic, with the suspension remaining in effect until further notice.

The source did not disclose the reasons for the decision nor how long it is expected to last.

“The closure of the al-Sheib crossing in Maysan governorate will begin Wednesday morning and continue until further notice, covering both goods and travelers,” the source said.

The source added that other crossings along the Iraq-Iran border would be closed gradually under the prime minister’s instructions.

No timetable was provided for the remaining closures, and it was unclear whether exemptions would apply to certain goods or travellers.

Key Iraqi border crossings with Iran were also temporarily shut in September following a drone attack on Saudi Arabia launched from Iraqi soil.