{
  "id": 19313947,
  "title": "Iraq to reopen Al Sheeb border crossing with Iran but temporarily shuts Mandali",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/10/iraq-to-reopen-al-sheeb-border-crossing-with-iran-but-temporarily",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-10T09:48:59.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The National Business",
    "slug": "the-national-business",
    "url": "https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/2026/11/10/iraq-to-reopen-al-sheeb-border-crossing-with-iran-but-temporarily-shuts-mandali/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Iraqi government is set to reopen the Al Sheeb border crossing with Iran on Tuesday, following the completion of necessary technical requirements, according to the head of the Border Ports Authority. However, the Mandali border crossing, also with Iran, will be temporarily shut down on Friday to fulfill similar technical obligations, according to state media reports.\n\nMandali is one of several land crossings that Iraq and Iran rely on for commercial activities. Limiting access to these routes could have repercussions for Iraqi traders, local economies, and the supply of Iranian goods into Iraq. The current Iraqi administration has faced US pressure since its inception in May to curb Iranian influence, particularly through armed entities.\n\nForeign Minister Fuad Hussein disclosed that the US Treasury had urged Baghdad to close numerous border crossings with Iran as part of Washington's strategy to exert economic pressure on Tehran. \"Closing all of them would be challenging and adversely impact our economy,\" Hussein stated in an interview with Al Jazeera. The US remains intent on closing these crossings and ongoing negotiations are underway.\n\nAl Sheeb, previously closed to both travelers and goods since October 21, was shuttered following Prime Minister Ali Al Zaidi's direct orders. The closure was aimed at revising security measures at the crossing, Hussein explained. The Al Sheeb crossing, located in the southeastern province of Maysan, serves as a significant commercial gateway, facilitating the transportation of food, construction materials, and Iranian pilgrims traveling to holy sites in Najaf and Karbala. The decision to close Al Sheeb sparked criticism from Iran and local officials, leading to tensions between the Iraqi government and opposition groups. The head of Maysan's provincial council, Mustafa Duair Abdulhassan, called for civil disobedience, representing the Iran-aligned Sadiqoun political faction. Following Prime Minister Al Zaidi's call for an inquiry into the calls for civil unrest, Baghdad's Karkh Court initiated an investigation into Abdulhassan.",
  "summary": "Iraq was set to reopen Al Sheeb border crossing with Iran on Tuesday morning after completing technical requirements and necessary procedures, the head of the Border Ports Authority said. The authority will temporarily close the Mandali border crossing with Iran on Friday to complete technical requirements, state media reported. Mandali is part of a wider network of land crossings by which Iraq…",
  "key_points": [
    "Al Sheeb border crossing with Iran to reopen Tuesday",
    "Mandali border crossing to remain closed Friday",
    "US pressure on Iraq to limit Iranian influence"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Rotating the availability of these commercial gateways reflects Baghdad's difficult attempt to balance domestic economic stability with intense American pressure to restrict Iranian influence across its borders.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}