Afət Ziyadqızı
The strategically important Shalamcheh border crossing between Iraq and Iran has reportedly temporarily suspended operations under an official order from the Iraqi government.
Operative Information Center-OMM reports that the crossing was closed to vehicle and personnel movement from 6 a.m. on October 20.
The report says Iraqi authorities ordered the closure. The measure is to remain in force until further notice, but no detailed information has been released on the precise military, political or security reasons for suspending operations.
Official bodies in Baghdad and Tehran, as well as Iraq’s Border Crossing Authority, have so far made no statement confirming or denying the report.
About 10 land border crossings operate between Iraq and Iran, serving trade and economic ties as well as passenger traffic. Ensuring the security of transit routes remains a key issue amid ongoing military and political tensions in the region.
