World

Iraq Reopens Al‑Sheeb Border Crossing with Iran After U.S.‑Driven Closure

By AFP

Iraq’s Al‑Sheeb border crossing with Iran reopened on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, after the Iraqi government had closed it in October amid growing U.S. pressure to isolate Tehran. The closure was announced by the head of Iraq’s border crossings authority, Alaa al‑Waeli, who told the state news agency INA that the crossing would resume operations after completing the necessary procedures to ensure the smooth movement of travellers and goods. Al‑Waeli also said that the Al‑Mandali crossing in Diyala province would be temporarily closed for maintenance starting Friday. The shutdown of Al‑Sheeb had caused tensions between the central government and local authorities in Missan province, leading to protests over the loss of a key route. Earlier in September, Baghdad had temporarily closed several crossings with Iran after determining that an unclaimed drone attack on a Saudi pipeline likely originated near Al‑Sheeb. Pro‑Iran armed groups have supported Tehran during the Middle East war, claiming hundreds of attacks on U.S. bases in Iraq and across the region. The article was published on November 10, 2026 at 03:30 pm IST.