Iraq Closes Sheeb Border Crossing With Iran For Security
Iraq closed the Sheeb border crossing with Iran to install detection equipment and conduct a security review, amid reports of U.S. pressure on Tehran.
The Government of Iraq closed the Sheeb border crossing with Iran on October 21, 2026, to conduct a security review and install detection equipment. The closure, which affects passengers, vehicles, and commercial trucks, remains in effect until further notice. An Iraqi border official described the existing security measures at the site as "weak and inadequate."
Iranian officials confirmed the closure and advised travelers and truck drivers to divert to the nearby Shalamcheh crossing. However, Shalamcheh had previously been closed in September following drone attacks on Saudi Arabia, potentially complicating the detour for commercial traffic.
While Baghdad officially cites the need for security upgrades to stop the smuggling of prohibited materials, separate political sources indicate the Federal Government of the United States is pressing Iraq to restrict cross-border trade. These reports suggest the closure is part of a broader effort to increase economic pressure on Tehran.
