Iraqi PM Proposed Closing Iran Border Crossings at US Request, Sadiqoun Official Says

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi raised a proposal to close border crossings between Iraq and Iran at the request of the United States during a meeting of the Coordination Framework last Monday, but the proposal was strongly rejected by the alliance's leaders, a Sadiqoun Movement official told Kurdistan24.

Hussein Shihani, a member of the political bureau of the Sadiqoun Movement, said al-Zaidi presented the proposal to members of the Coordination Framework, the main coalition of Shiite political forces that holds significant influence over Iraq's federal government.

According to Shihani, the alliance's leaders opposed the proposal and rejected the move. He added that they would announce their position if the Iraqi government decides to close the border crossings with Iran.

Kurdistan24 also reported that the Sheeb border crossing between Iraq and Iran has been completely closed for the past two days.

The reported proposal comes amid heightened regional tensions and pressure on Baghdad over its relations with Tehran and Washington. Iraq maintains extensive political, economic, and security ties with both countries, leaving its government facing competing regional interests.

Iran is a major trading partner for Iraq, supplying goods and energy and maintaining extensive cross-border commercial links. Border crossings are also important for trade, the movement of travelers, and economic activity in communities on both sides of the frontier.

Any broader closure of the crossings could therefore have significant economic and political implications. However, Shihani's account does not establish whether the Iraqi government has formally adopted the proposal or whether a decision has been made to close additional crossings.