Iraq closes southern border crossing with Iran amid US pressure on Baghdad

Iraq has closed one of its southern border crossings with Iran, the Sheeb crossing, in response to U.S. pressure, according to Reuters. The closure, which affects passengers, vehicles, and commercial trucks, came amid reports that the United States is urging Baghdad to rein in Iranian-backed militias. Iraq is currently facing pressure from both the U.S. and Iran, with Iran continuing to pressure Iraq to expel Kurdish Iranian opposition groups.

The Sheeb crossing is a major one for trade and travel, leading to Iraq's Maysan Governorate. This is not the first time Iraq has closed a border crossing with Iran; another crossing, Shalamcheh, was closed in September following drone attacks on Saudi Arabia. Iraq has seven land border crossings with Iran, located in various governorates, and are vital for trade and movement between the two countries.

The closure of the Sheeb crossing is believed to be near an area used by Iranian-backed militias in a September attack on Saudi Arabia's East-West pipeline. Iraq's Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi is concerned that recent reports suggest a return to fighting between the U.S., Israel, and Iran.