Iraq allows stranded Iranian produce shipments as border closures begin

BAGHDAD — Iraq has allowed produce shipments stranded on the Iranian side of the border to enter the country under directives from Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, the Border Ports Authority announced Wednesday, as authorities began closing crossings with Iran.

Border Ports Authority chief Lt. Gen. Omar al-Waeli told the Iraqi News Agency that the decision followed appeals from Iraqi traders and importers concerned that perishable goods and vegetables would spoil while awaiting clearance.

The decision comes as Iraq closed the al-Sheib border crossing in Maysan governorate at 6 a.m. Wednesday to commercial shipments and passenger traffic until further notice. An official source said Tuesday that other crossings with Iran would be closed gradually under the prime minister’s instructions, without explaining the reasons or providing a timetable.

Al-Waeli said the prime minister’s intervention allowed the shipments to enter directly, helping ease pressure on vegetable prices in local markets.

Iranian authorities confirmed the closure of the corresponding Chazabeh crossing and advised travelers and traders to use Shalamcheh instead. Iran’s Interior Ministry said it had received no advance notification from Baghdad about the closure.

Al-Waeli said the authority was operating around the clock to maintain commercial activity and ensure essential goods reached Iraqi markets.

“The movement of goods entering Iraq from Iran is proceeding smoothly,” he said, without specifying how the planned closures would affect trade at other crossings.

On Monday, trucks carrying Iranian food products began entering Basra through the Shalamcheh crossing after a suspension lasting about two weeks. The disruption had left shipments stranded and contributed to rising vegetable prices, prompting Baghdad to authorize the entry of agricultural products.

Traders at Basra’s Hamdan wholesale market reported sharp increases in the prices of tomatoes, potatoes, onions and cucumbers on Sunday, citing shortages of locally produced vegetables, border restrictions and higher transportation costs.

The Cabinet also approved opening imports of all agricultural crops through the end of 2026 at its Tuesday meeting, extending measures aimed at improving supplies to domestic markets.

Al-Waeli said the authority was also working to increase non-oil revenues, support employment for drivers and workers, and maintain the supply of food and other essential goods.

He added that al-Zaidi had ordered improvements to border infrastructure, including rehabilitation work, new access roads and advanced cargo inspection equipment.