Iraq announces phased reopening of Iran border crossings for passengers, trade

Iraq announced Sunday a phased resumption of passenger and commercial traffic through several border crossings with Iran, according to Iraqi media.

Iraq’s Security Media Cell said passenger entry through the al-Shaib and Shalamcheh crossings resumed at 6 a.m. local time (0300GMT) Sunday, the Iraqi News Agency (INA) reported.

Commercial traffic through Shalamcheh will resume at 6 a.m. Monday, followed by the Mandali crossing at the same time Tuesday and al-Shaib on Thursday.

The statement said passenger and commercial traffic with Iran had not been interrupted at the Zurbatiyah and al-Mundhiriyah crossings, which continue to operate around the clock.

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Separately, an Iranian local official in Khuzestan province said the Shalamcheh and Chazabeh crossings would remain open until further notice only to passengers already waiting at the border.

The official said new passengers are still not permitted to enter the two crossings, while the entry and exit of goods remain suspended on the Iranian side.

Iraq temporarily closed the Shalamcheh, al-Shaib and Mandali crossings on Saturday as authorities introduced administrative and security measures following reported “breaches and violations” at several border points.

​​​​​​​Iraqi authorities said the measures were temporary and aimed at reorganizing operations and strengthening inspection and control mechanisms, while the Zurbatiyah and al-Mundhiriyah crossings remained operational.

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