Iraq to reopen one border crossing with Iran, close another
Note: AI technology was used to generate this article’s audio.
- Iraq will reopen the Al-Shaib border crossing with Iran on Tuesday, November 10, while temporarily closing the Mandali crossing from Friday, November 13, for maintenance.
- The developments come amid US pressure on Baghdad to close all but two border crossings with Iran as Washington seeks to increase economic pressure on Tehran.
Iraq has announced plans to reopen the Al-Shaib border crossing with Iran while temporarily closing the Mandali crossing, according to the Iraqi News Agency (INA).
Major General Omar al-Waeli, head of Iraq's Border Ports Authority, said Al-Shaib would reopen at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, November 10, following the completion of technical requirements and necessary procedures.
Meanwhile, the Mandali crossing, located in Diyala province, will be temporarily closed from 8 a.m. on Friday, November 13, to carry out maintenance work and complete technical preparations.
The authority said the measures aim to improve operational efficiency and ensure the smooth movement of passengers and goods across the border.
The announcement comes after Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein said the US Treasury had formally asked Baghdad to close all but two of its border crossings with Iran as part of Washington's efforts to increase economic pressure on Tehran.
Hussein said Iraq has numerous official and unofficial crossings with Iran, warning that shutting them all would be difficult and could significantly affect the country's economy.
"The Americans are still demanding the closure of the crossings, and we are currently in discussions with them," Hussein told Al Jazeera.
He added that the proposed restrictions could disrupt trade and movement between the two countries.
Iraq had already closed the Al-Shaib crossing in October to review security procedures and install detection equipment aimed at preventing smuggling.
It remains unclear whether the reopening of Al-Shaib or the planned temporary closure of Mandali is connected to Washington's request.
Baghdad has said discussions with the United States over the proposed restrictions are ongoing.
