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Iraq has reopened a key border crossing with Iran after closing it last month following growing US pressure on Baghdad to limit trade and movement with Tehran.
The Al-Sheeb crossing in Missan province resumed operations on Tuesday morning after authorities completed the necessary procedures.
The head of Iraq’s Border Crossings Authority, Alaa al-Waeli, confirmed the reopening in comments to the state news agency, INA. He said the move would “ensure the smooth movement of travellers and goods”.
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However, al-Waeli announced that authorities would temporarily close the Al-Mandali border crossing in Diyala province from Friday for maintenance.
Iraq closed the Al-Sheeb crossing in October. Two political sources told AFP that the United States had pressured Baghdad to shut most border crossings with neighbouring Iran.
The closure also triggered tensions between Iraq’s national government and local authorities in Missan. Several protests broke out over the shutdown of the important trade and travel route.
In September, Baghdad temporarily closed several crossings with Iran after authorities linked an unclaimed drone attack on a Saudi oil pipeline to an area near Al-Sheeb.
Meanwhile, pro-Iran armed groups have backed Tehran during the ongoing Middle East war. The groups have claimed responsibility for hundreds of attacks on US bases in Iraq and other parts of the region.
