Story perspectives

Iraq Orders Al-Sheeb Border Crossing With Iran Closed

By Drooid · Oct 21, 2026, 3:16 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi ordered the Al-Sheeb border crossing with Iran to close.
The crossing shut at 6 a.m. Wednesday and will remain closed until further notice.
Iraqi officials said a security review and detection equipment aim to curb smuggling.
Iraq rejected the U.S. Treasury's urging to keep only two Iran crossings open.
Iraq may also close Shalamcheh, Zurbatiyah and Mandali crossings, risking over $10 billion in trade.

History

Historical Context

In November 1990 the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 678, authorising “all necessary means” to expel Iraqi forces from Kuwait, passing with 12 votes for and two against. The March 1991 Resolution 686 reaffirmed those measures and maintained sanctions that constrained Iraq’s cross-border trade. Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi’s 2024 closure of the Al-Sheeb crossing mirrors those 1990s restrictions amid renewed anti-smuggling pressure.

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Story summary

Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi ordered the Al-Sheeb border crossing with Iran to close.
The crossing shut at 6 a.m. Wednesday and will remain closed until further notice.
Iraqi officials said a security review and detection equipment aim to curb smuggling.
Iraq rejected the U.S. Treasury's urging to keep only two Iran crossings open.
Iraq may also close Shalamcheh, Zurbatiyah and Mandali crossings, risking over $10 billion in trade.

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