BAGHDAD: Iraq will begin closing crossings with Iran on Wednesday, starting with al-Sheib in Maysan governorate, an official with knowledge of the decision told 964media.
Al-Sheib will halt passenger movement and commercial shipments at 8:00 am in Iraq. The suspension will continue until further notice.
According to the official, Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi directed the phased closures. Other crossings along the shared border will shut gradually.
However, the official gave no timetable for those restrictions or details of possible exemptions for goods or travellers. The official did not explain the reason for the decision.
Separately, Iraq temporarily closed key crossings in September after Saudi Arabia said drones launched from Iraqi territory had attacked its East-West oil pipeline.
Read: Iraq Suspends Iranian Flights at All Four Operating Airports
While Iraq gradually reopened those crossings for trade weeks later, this new directive marks a far more comprehensive and open-ended border suspension.
