The Iranian Interior Ministry announced that the closure of the Al-Shaib border crossing by the Iraqi side occurred without prior notification to Tehran, emphasizing that the relevant authorities are monitoring the situation and examining its implications. The ministry spokesman, Zaini
Wand, stated in a press conference that temporarily closing border crossings for periods ranging from an hour to several hours for security reasons is a common practice that does not require prior notification to the other party. He added that
the bilateral agreement on border crossing management stipulates the necessity of informing the other side in advance if a crossing is to be closed for more than one day. He clarified that Iran has not received an official notice regarding
the closure of the Al-Shaib crossing and that Tehran continues to follow up on the matter and study its details. Previously, Iraqi authorities closed the Al-Shaib border crossing with Iran to travelers, vehicles, and commercial trucks until further notice, aiming
to reassess the security arrangements at the crossing. Sources indicated that the decision was made to review security measures described as weak and insufficient. Media reports suggested that several border crossings with Iran might be gradually closed in the coming
days, without specifying how many of the six crossings linking the two countries would be affected, amid a lack of official announcements from the Iraqi government or border authorities. Meanwhile, an Iranian news agency cited informed sources stating that the
closure decision was made at the request of the United States as part of an economic isolation plan imposed on Iran, noting that only two border crossings would remain open between the countries. It is worth mentioning that the Al-Shaib
crossing was previously closed last month following a security investigation after drone attacks targeted Saudi Arabia, originating from Al-Tayyib Island in Maysan province, located on the Iraqi-Iranian border.
