Iraq and Iran address border security and armed group disarmament

The Iranian Embassy in Baghdad has officially denied allegations made by Abdul Amir Taiban, an advisor to the Iraqi Prime Minister, regarding the closure of the Al-Shayb border crossing. Taiban had previously accused Iran of undermining Iraqi security and the economy through drug and counterfeit currency smuggling. The Iranian Embassy has called on relevant Iraqi authorities to take a formal stance on these claims, noting they damage bilateral relations.

Separately, Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaydi stated that closing borders with Iran would not benefit either nation. Al-Zaydi also addressed domestic security, announcing that the government has resolved weapon issues with three armed groups and is negotiating with four others. He set a deadline of June 30, 2027, to ensure all weapons are under state control, asserting that Iraq will soon be free of non-state armed groups.