Iraq Shuts Key Al Sheeb Border Crossing with Iran Amid Security Review

Iraq has suspended operations at the Al Sheeb border crossing with Iran, halting the passage of both passengers and goods. The closure, effective from 6 am local time on Wednesday, will persist until further notice, according to a government official. This decision was reportedly made under direct orders from Prime Minister Ali Al Zaidi to 'reconsider the security arrangements inside the crossing'.

A border official informed Reuters that the shutdown is part of a security review and the installation of detection equipment aimed at curbing the smuggling of prohibited materials. The Al Sheeb crossing, situated in the southeastern Maysan province, is a vital commercial route connecting Iraq and Iran. It facilitates the transport of essential items like food and construction materials, and also serves Iranian pilgrims en route to the holy cities of Najaf and Karbala.

Further closures of other border crossings with Iran are anticipated. Should major crossings such as Shalamcheh, Zurbatiyah, and Mandali also be shut, it could severely impact Iraq-Iran trade, which surpassed $10 billion last year. In September, Iraq had briefly closed the Shalamcheh crossing as a precautionary security measure following drone attacks on Saudi Arabia.

The closure of Al Sheeb is expected to lead to an increase in the prices of basic commodities, particularly fresh produce and Iranian building materials, which are prevalent in southern Iraqi markets. This move is likely to draw criticism from pro-Iran political factions, who have previously accused the Iraqi government of aligning too closely with Washington, especially given the extensive US sanctions on Tehran.

Within the Co-ordination Framework, the largest Shiite parliamentary bloc comprising primarily Iran-backed groups, critics argue that closing commercial crossings effectively enforces US sanctions and negatively affects border provinces reliant on Iranian trade. Conversely, supporters contend that Baghdad must enhance border controls and diversify its import sources. The Prime Minister’s office has yet to release an official statement detailing the extent or duration of these closures, and there has been no official comment from Iran.