Iraq Court Orders Probe of Maysan Leader Over Iran Border Dispute

Baghdad, Iraq – Iraq's Karkh Court in Baghdad has initiated an investigation into the head of Maysan's provincial council following a directive from Prime Minister Ali Al Zaidi. The probe stems from the council head's calls for civil disobedience if the Al Sheeb crossing with Iran is not reopened. This action escalates tensions that have been building since Iraq's decision last week to close the Al Sheeb border crossing in Maysan to travelers and goods, citing security concerns.

Mustafa Duair Abdulhassan, the head of Maysan's provincial council and affiliated with Sadiqoun, the political wing of the Iran-aligned Asaib Ahl Al Haq led by Qais Al Khazali, stated on Sunday that the public might resort to civil disobedience and isolate Maysan from the rest of Iraq if the crossing remains shut. Mr. Al Zaidi's office indicated that the investigation was a response to "threats" and "inappropriate language" used by Mr. Abdulhassan.

The closure has drawn criticism from various politicians, with some joining dozens of lorry drivers and workers in protests last week. Demonstrators urged the government to reverse its decision, emphasizing that their livelihoods depend on cross-border traffic. Prime Minister Al Zaidi has called on security forces to ensure a safe environment for these demonstrations and chaired a meeting of the Ministerial Council of National Security, which stressed the importance of peaceful protests and respectful treatment of demonstrators.

Maysan Governor Habib Dhahir Al Fartousi has also appealed to Prime Minister Al Zaidi to reopen the crossing, warning of increased prices and disrupted trade. However, some have defended the closure. Abdelamir Taiban, a senior advisor to Mr. Al Zaidi, told local media that Iran had "deliberately undermined Iraq’s security," alleging unauthorized entry of Iranian-linked individuals causing "chaos." Mr. Taiban further claimed that drug trafficking and counterfeit currency from Iran have inflicted significant economic damage on Iraq.

Iran's embassy in Iraq has refuted these claims, labeling them as "false allegations" and urging Iraqi authorities to address remarks that could harm bilateral relations. Tehran had previously expressed dissatisfaction with the border closure, with Iranian Interior Ministry spokesman Ali Zeinivand stating that Iran was not given advance notice. The matter is reportedly under review.

Prime Minister Al Zaidi, who assumed office in May, has been working to balance relations with both Tehran and Washington while attempting to bring armed factions under state control. While some Iran-aligned groups have cooperated, others have resisted. The article also notes that many of these groups have been accused of serious crimes, including killings during the 2019 anti-government protests. Thousands gathered in Baghdad on Sunday to commemorate the anniversary of the Tishreen movement, demanding accountability.