Iraq announces resumption of traveler entry, trade with Iran
Iraq’s Security Media Cell announced on Sunday the resumption of traveler movement and trade at the Al-Shib, Al-Shalamjah, and Mandali border crossings with Iran, acting on directives from Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi.
In a statement reported by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), the Cell said the decision followed a “review of operations at the border crossings and an assessment of their organizational and technical needs,” conducted in coordination with relevant authorities. The move aims to enhance security at the crossings while maintaining the smooth flow of citizens and trade.
Under this decision, traveler movement resumed at the Al-Shib (Chazzaba) and Al-Shalamjah crossings starting at 6:00 AM this Sunday.
Commercial activity at the Al-Shalamjah crossing is set to resume tomorrow, Monday, at 6:00 AM, and at the Mandali-Sumar crossing on Tuesday at 6:00 AM. Commercial activity at the Al-Shib (Chazzaba) border crossing will resume on Thursday at 6:00 AM.
According to the statement, the decision was made following coordination between the Office of the Commander-in-Chief of the Iraqi Armed Forces and the Border Ports Commission regarding the organization and modernization of systems, software, and procedures used at these crossings.
The statement emphasized that the measure aims to bolster security at the crossings while simultaneously ensuring the smooth flow of trade and the movement of citizens.
These crossings had been closed since Friday, September 11. Iraqi media reports described the closure of these crossings as an “administrative and security measure,” announcing that the aim was to enhance intelligence operations and investigate violations and the state of disorder at these points of entry.