Iraq to reopen two Iran crossings after drone attack near Saudi pipeline shuts three

On September 13, Iraqi officials announced plans to reopen three border crossings with Iran, following a drone attack on a Saudi pipeline that led to their closure. The drone strike, launched from the shared border, prompted the Iraqi military commander in Missan province to be relieved of duty. As a result of the attack, authorities determined it necessary to reorganize operations and enhance intelligence efforts to prevent future violations.

The government subsequently closed three crossings: Shalamsheh in Basra, al-Shib in Missan, and al-Mandali in Diyala. This decision was made to bolster security measures and allow for a gradual reopening process for both passengers and trade. The Shalamsheh and al-Shib crossings were reopened to passengers on Sunday, but trade activities were not immediately permitted.

As of now, no group has claimed responsibility for the drone attack. While an alliance of Iran-backed Iraqi armed factions stated they were not involved, Saudi Arabia had previously accused Iraqi groups of targeting its oil infrastructure. In July, both the United States and Saudi Arabia had launched military strikes against Iran-backed militants in Iraq following attacks on US forces and Saudi oil facilities.

Pro-Iranian armed groups have been active in the region, claiming hundreds of attacks on US bases in Iraq and beyond.