Iraq Explains Reasons for Closing Al-Sheeb Border Crossing with Iran

Iraq has attributed the indefinite closure of the Al-Sheeb border crossing with Iran to a lack of technical, technological and development infrastructure. The Iraqi government has also decided to gradually close some other border crossings with Iran in the coming days.

According to Iraqi media reports, Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi has ordered the Al-Shib border crossing to remain closed until further notice and directed authorities to begin the phased closure of certain other crossings with Iran. The Iraqi government said the decision was taken because the Al-Shib crossing lacked the necessary technical and development facilities. The main objective of the closure is to address deficiencies in essential technical arrangements and modern technological infrastructure. The crossing will remain closed due to the absence of the facilities and development preparations required for its operation.

Officials have clarified that despite the closure of the Al-Shib crossing, commercial activities continue as usual at several other border crossings with Iran. The movement of goods through these routes remains uninterrupted, allowing cross-border trade between the two countries to continue. Meanwhile, Iran has protested Iraq’s decision to close the Al-Shib border crossing. Tehran maintains that Iraq did not formally notify Iran before shutting the crossing, describing the move as a serious violation of the agreement between the two countries.

Iranian Ministry of Interior spokesperson Ali Zeynivand said Iranian authorities were investigating the matter. According to him, advance notification is not required when a border crossing is temporarily closed for a few hours for security reasons. However, if the closure extends beyond one day, the other country must be informed in advance. According to Iran’s position, the prolonged closure of the Al-Sheeb crossing without prior notification has raised concerns about compliance with the procedures agreed upon by the two countries. Further details are expected to emerge following the Iranian authorities’ investigation.

Earlier, Iraqi authorities had announced that the Al-Sheeb border crossing would be closed indefinitely without specifying the reasons. The Iraqi government has now clarified that the measure was primarily prompted by deficiencies in technical, technological and development facilities. The Al-Shib border crossing is an important route for cross-border trade and movement between Iraq and Iran. The dispute over its closure has brought issues concerning compliance with bilateral agreements and border management arrangements into focus, while commercial activities at other border crossings are currently continuing as usual.