Iran and Iraq: Detentions and border reopening

In Iran, Bahman Modirzadeh, a 39-year-old Kurdish citizen and member of the Kotol City Council, has been held incommunicado for 41 days. Following an investigation by intelligence forces, he was transferred to a detention center without access to legal counsel or contact with his family. His detention reportedly followed an Instagram story posted in opposition to imprisonment.

In Iraq, the security media office announced the reopening of several border crossings with Iran, including Shaibah, Shelamcha, and Mandali, following directives from Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidy. The decision aims to restore tourist and commercial traffic after reviewing the operational status of the borders. While Shelamcha and Mandali are resuming commercial activities on specific dates in September 2026, passenger movement at Shelamcha and Sheibah has resumed immediately.

Meanwhile, the Kurdish Women's Coordination (Kezheke) issued a statement marking the fourth anniversary of the ‘Woman, Life, Freedom’ movement. The organization called for organized resistance against systemic violence against women and emphasized the need for democratic changes in the region, specifically noting that the Iranian regime cannot resolve its crises without democratic reform.