Iran 'deliberately undermining Iraq’s security', says Al Zaidi adviser

An Iraqi government official has accused Iran of deliberately undermining Iraq's security, alleging that Tehran is responsible for security breaches, economic disruption, and drug trafficking along their shared border. Abdelamir Taiban, a senior adviser to Prime Minister Ali Al Zaidi, made the remarks while Baghdad closed some border crossings over security concerns.

He stated that Iranian-linked individuals were entering Iraq without authorization, causing "chaos" at the border. Taiban emphasized that Tehran must take "strict legal measures" against those responsible for these violations.

The Iraqi Prime Minister's adviser highlighted that Iraq's most significant border issues are with Iran, particularly concerning drug trafficking and counterfeit currency. He claimed that these illicit activities have caused "greater economic damage than what ISIS caused." Additionally, he reported that Iraqis had been kidnapped while crossing into Iran, especially near the Shalamcheh and Al Sheeb border points.

Taiban called for the expansion of electronic monitoring and automation systems at all border crossings with Iran to prevent such issues. Iraq's efforts to tighten border controls are part of a broader strategy to stabilize the economy and strengthen state authority. However, protests erupted in the southern city of Maysan after the closure of the Al Sheeb crossing.

Dozens of lorry drivers and workers demonstrated, arguing that their livelihoods depended on cross-border traffic. The shutdown has disrupted trade and daily activity in the province, potentially impacting the prices of basic goods, such as fresh produce and Iranian building materials.