Iraq’s Badr Bloc Warns Closure of Iran Border Will Fuel Protests
BAGHDAD -- Iraq’s Badr parliamentary bloc on Monday warned that the continued closure of the al-Sheeb border crossing with Iran in Maysan province will trigger further protests and tensions, urging Baghdad to immediately reverse the decision, as the shutdown enters a second week with no resolution in sight.
“We are following with great concern the repercussions of the continued closure of the al-Sheeb border crossing with Iran in Maysan province and the resulting economic losses and hardship for local residents,” the Badr faction said.
In a statement, it called on the government to “take immediate measures to reopen” the crossing and meet the demands of Maysan residents.
It warned that a prolonged closure without a practical solution “will cause great tensions and will drive a wedge between the Iraqi government and the nation,” and urged Baghdad to adopt a unified and fair policy concerning the control of all border crossings.
The closure, ordered by Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi and effective October 21, has disrupted a strategic commercial gateway used for food, construction materials and civilian traffic.
Iraqi government spokesperson Haidar al-Aboudi said the decision stemmed from the site’s “lack of technical, technological and developmental preparedness,” while a border official told Reuters it was intended to install detection equipment to stop smuggling.
The move followed previous disruptions: Iraq temporarily closed the Shalamcheh crossing in September as a precautionary security measure, and the al-Sheeb shutdown itself came without advance notice to Tehran, according to Iran’s Interior Ministry.
The closure has sparked sustained unrest in Maysan, where residents say they depend on the crossing for basic necessities. On Sunday, dozens of protesters blocked the main road leading to oil companies in the province, chanting slogans demanding the government reverse its decision amid a heavy security presence.
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