The key facts
- Iraqi PM's adviser Abdelamir Tayban accused Iran of 'deliberately undermining' the country's security
- The economic damage from the flow of drugs and counterfeit currency, according to him, 'exceeds the damage from ISIS'
- The closure of the Al-Shib crossing sparked protests by truck drivers in Maysan; the prime minister demanded ensuring the safety of demonstrators
Accusations against Tehran
Iran is committing serious violations against Iraq — from security breaches and economic interference to drug trafficking — said senior adviser to the Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi Abdelamir Tayban in an interview with local media. According to him, Tehran was 'deliberately undermining Iraq's security': people linked to Iran were entering the country without permission and creating 'chaos' along the border. He demanded that Tehran take 'strict legal measures' against those responsible. The National noted that this is an unusually direct public criticism of Iranian influence by an Iraqi official.
Problems at the border
Tayban reported that Iraqi citizens were kidnapped after crossing the border with Iran, especially near the Shalamcheh and Al-Shib crossings. He called for extending new electronic monitoring and automation systems to all crossings with Iran and named the Iranian direction the most problematic for Iraq. According to his assessment, the flow of drugs and counterfeit currency from Iran has caused economic damage 'exceeding the damage from ISIS.' The border between the two countries is 1,599 km long, with nine official crossings connecting Iran with Iraq and Kurdistan.
Closure of crossings and protests
In September, Iraq closed the Shalamcheh crossing as a precautionary security measure after drone attacks on Saudi Arabia. Now the Al-Shib crossing is also closed to passengers and goods, which sparked protests in the southern province of Maysan: on Thursday, dozens of truck drivers and workers demanded the reversal of the decision, stating that their livelihoods depend on cross-border traffic. The closure disrupted trade and is expected to affect prices of basic goods, especially fresh produce and Iranian construction materials that dominate southern markets.
Government response
Prime Minister Al-Zaidi, who took office in May and seeks to maintain balanced relations with Tehran and Washington, called on security forces to ensure a safe environment for demonstrators. According to his office, he held a meeting of the National Security Council, emphasizing the need to 'ensure peaceful demonstrations' and treat protesters with respect. Tayban linked the tightening of border control to a broader program of stabilizing the economy and strengthening state power; some pro-Iranian groups have complied with state demands, while others resist.
