Iraq shuts major border crossing with Iran for 'security review' as US reportedly presses Baghdad; tanker hit off Oman

Iraq closed the Al-Sheeb border crossing with Iran, known in Iran as Chazabeh, on Wednesday 21 October, an Iraqi border official told Reuters, saying it had been shut for a security review and to install equipment to detect smuggled goods, RFE/RL reported. The crossing will stay closed to passengers and commercial traffic until further notice.

Iranian officials confirmed the closure, said talks on reopening it were under way and advised travellers and truck drivers to use the nearby Shalamcheh crossing, according to RFE/RL. Two Iraqi political sources told AFP that the United States was pressing Baghdad to close more crossings with Iran, which could leave only two in operation.

Also on Wednesday, the UK Maritime Trade Operations agency (UKMTO) said a tanker about 20 kilometres off Bukha, Oman, near the Strait of Hormuz, had been struck by “an unknown projectile”, causing a fire. It said the crew were safe and the ship was at anchor. UKMTO also reported a tanker struck on Tuesday southeast of Al Faw, Iraq, with no damage reported.

Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian said the US could not expect dialogue while it blockaded and threatened Iran, Al Jazeera reported. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran sought “a dignified peaceful resolution” but was “fully prepared to defend ourselves”.

Background: The war began on 28 February when the US and Israel struck Iran. Iran has restricted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and the US has imposed a blockade on Iranian ports. Iraq and Iran share a border of more than 1,400 kilometres. Indirect US-Iran talks through Qatar and Pakistan continue; for Tehran’s conditions, see our earlier report.