Iraq Reopens Key Al Sheeb Border Crossing with Iran, Temporarily Closes Mandali Amid US Pressure

Iraq is set to reopen the Al Sheeb border crossing with Iran on Tuesday morning, following the completion of necessary technical requirements and procedures, according to the head of the Border Ports Authority. In a related development, the Mandali border crossing with Iran will be temporarily closed on Friday to finalize technical requirements, state media reported. The Mandali crossing is part of a larger network facilitating commercial ties between Iraq and Iran. Restrictions on these routes could potentially impact Iraqi traders, local economies, and the flow of Iranian goods into the country.

The current Iraqi government, which took office in May, has been under pressure from the United States to curb Iranian influence, particularly through armed groups. U.S. Treasury officials have requested Baghdad to close most border crossings with Iran as part of Washington's strategy to increase economic pressure on Tehran, as stated by Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein. Mr. Hussein acknowledged the difficulty of closing all official and unofficial crossings, noting the significant impact on Iraq's economy. "The Americans are still demanding the closure of the crossings and we are currently in discussions with them," he told Al Jazeera.

The Al Sheeb crossing had been closed to travelers and goods since October 21, following direct orders from Prime Minister Ali Al Zaidi. This decision was made to "reconsider the security arrangements inside the crossing," according to Mr. Hussein. Located in the southeastern Maysan province, Al Sheeb is a vital commercial gateway for transporting goods like food and construction materials, and it also serves Iranian pilgrims en route to holy sites in Najaf and Karbala.

The initial closure of Al Sheeb faced criticism from Iran and local officials, creating friction with the Iraqi government. Mustafa Duair Abdulhassan, 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, called for civil disobedience. Subsequently, the Karkh Court in Baghdad ordered an investigation into Mr. Abdulhassan following Prime Minister Al Zaidi's request for an inquiry into the calls for civil unrest.