Iraq-Iran border crossings see normal commercial traffic and surge in travelers

BAGHDAD — Commercial movement through Iraq’s border crossings with Iran has remained unaffected by the recent period of regional escalation, with truck traffic holding steady and passenger numbers rising sharply following the ceasefire, the Border Ports Commission said Sunday.

Commission head Lt. Gen. Omar al-Waeli told the Iraqi News Agency that daily truck volumes ranged from 200 to 400 across major crossings — Mandali recording 250 to 300, al-Sheeb 200 to 250, al-Munthiriya 250 to 300, Shalamcheh 350 to 400 and Zurbatiya around 400, the highest volume recorded. He said passenger movement has seen “a noticeable increase” following the stabilization of the regional situation.

Al-Waeli said the sustained flow of goods “clearly contributed to stabilizing prices and ensuring the continued flow of goods and commodities to Iraqi markets,” and noted that the commission assisted stranded travelers — both Iraqis and foreigners affected by the airspace closure — in returning home or continuing their journeys.