Iraq gradually reopens three border crossings with Iran after security checks
Borders are not just lines on a map but living arteries connecting peoples and economies. When security and order at crossings break down, millions of people who depend on trade and free movement suffer. Restoring control is a step towards stability, but it requires thorough verification and coordination.
On Sunday, Iraq announced the phased reopening of three main border crossings with neighbouring Iran after administrative and technical checks aimed at enhancing security and streamlining border movement. According to a statement from the Media Liaison Centre of Iraq's Joint Operations Command, the decision was made on the instructions of Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi to modernise the organisational and technical infrastructure at the Shalamcheh, Mandali and Al-Shib border crossings.
Passenger traffic through the Al-Shib and Shalamcheh border crossings resumed at 6:00 a.m. on Sunday, commercial trade at the Shalamcheh crossing will resume on Monday, at the Mandali crossing on Tuesday, and at the Al-Shib crossing on Thursday, the statement said. The Media Liaison Centre stressed that trade and passenger traffic with Iran at the Zurbatiyah and Al-Munthariya crossings remain unchanged and continue to operate around the clock.
On Saturday, Iraqi security authorities announced the start of administrative and operational measures to reorganise security at several border crossings, which required their closure for investigation of security violations. The closures came after al-Zaidi on Saturday dismissed the commander of the operation in Maysan after authorities confirmed that attacks on Saudi Arabia were launched from a facility in Maysan province in southern Iraq.
On Friday, Saudi Arabia's Foreign Ministry said several drones launched from Iraq attacked its East-West pipeline, causing injuries and damage. The ministry noted that at the request of the Iraqi prime minister, the kingdom refrained from retaliatory action at this stage. Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in the East-West pipeline, which transports crude oil from its eastern fields to the port of Yanbu on the Red Sea, bypassing the Strait of Hormuz.
As reported by CCTV+, the phased reopening of the crossings resulted from comprehensive checks and security measures. Iraq seeks to streamline border movement while responding to recent security-related incidents in the southern provinces.
