Iraq Reopens Al-Sheeb Border Crossing with Iran After Month-Long Closure
Alaa al-Waeli, head of Iraq’s Border Crossings Authority, told NA that the crossing would resume operations on Tuesday morning after completing the necessary procedures to ensure the smooth movement of travellers and goods.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Iraqi authorities reopened the Al-Sheeb border crossing with Iran in Missan province on Tuesday, following a month-long closure amid reported US pressure on Baghdad to restrict cross-border trade and movement with Tehran.
Alaa al-Waeli, head of Iraq’s Border Crossings Authority, told Iraqi News Agency (INA) that the crossing would resume operations on Tuesday morning after completing the necessary procedures to ensure the smooth movement of travellers and goods.
The Iraqi government closed Al-Sheeb in October. Two political sources told Agence France-Presse (AFP) that Washington had been pressuring Baghdad to shut down most of its border crossings with neighbouring Iran.
The closure triggered tensions between the federal government and local authorities in Missan, with several protests taking place over the suspension of operations at the key crossing.
Al-Waeli also announced that the Al-Mandali border crossing in Diyala province would be temporarily closed from Friday for maintenance.
Baghdad had previously closed several border crossings with Iran in September after authorities determined that an unclaimed drone attack targeting a Saudi oil pipeline had originated from an area near Al-Sheeb.
Meanwhile, pro-Iran armed groups have supported Tehran during the ongoing Middle East conflict, claiming responsibility for hundreds of attacks against US bases in Iraq and across the region.