# Iraq-Iran border security and transit management

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/iraq-iran-border-security-and-transit-management
> Updated: 2026-09-13T05:58:17.000Z. Sources: 12. Developments: 2.

Iraq has begun a phased reopening of three major border crossings with Iran—Shalamcheh, Mandali, and al-Sheeb—following temporary closures for administrative and security reviews. Under directives from Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, passenger transit at the al-Sheeb and Shalamcheh crossings resumed on Sunday morning. Commercial operations are scheduled to follow a staggered timeline: Shalamcheh on Monday, Mandali on Tuesday, and al-Sheeb on Thursday.

The security reviews were prompted by investigations into security breaches, including reports of drone-launched attacks targeting Saudi Arabia’s East-West Pipeline from Iraqi territory. In response to these incidents, Prime Minister al-Zaidi dismissed the Maysan Operations Commander. Additionally, Iraqi authorities have agreed to a joint investigation with Iran regarding drone launch platforms discovered near the border. 

While these specific crossings underwent restructuring, the Zurbatiyah and al-Munthiriya border points remained fully operational throughout the period.

## Claims

- Passenger traffic at the al-Sheeb and Shalamcheh crossings resumed at 6 a.m. Sunday. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- Commercial trade at the Shalamcheh crossing is scheduled to resume on Monday. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- Commercial activity at the Mandali crossing will resume Tuesday, and at the al-Sheeb crossing on Thursday. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- The Zurbatiyah and al-Munthiriya border crossings remained operational throughout the security reviews. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- Drones launched from Iraqi territory targeted Saudi Arabia’s East-West Pipeline. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi dismissed the Maysan Operations Commander following security breaches. (corroborated by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-13: Iraq reopens three border crossings with Iran following security reviews

Iraq is phasedly reopening the Shalamcheh, Mandali, and al-Sheeb border crossings with Iran following security reviews and investigations into drone attacks targeting Saudi infrastructure.

10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/iraq-reopens-three-border-crossings-with-iran

### 2026-09-12: Iraq enhances border security and expands international transit routes

Iraq is restructuring its border operations with Iran through temporary measures while simultaneously opening seven new international transit routes to establish itself as a regional logistics hub.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/iraq-enhances-border-security-and-expands-international-transit-routes

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Cite as: Iraq-Iran border security and transit management. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/iraq-iran-border-security-and-transit-management