Iran-Iraq Shalamcheh crossing restored after airstrike closure

BASRA: Passenger movement at the Shalamcheh border crossing between Iraq and Iran has returned to normal after a temporary shutdown caused by airstrikes on the Iranian side.

According to security officials and state media, the crossing was closed after the strikes hit a passenger reception area, killing one Iraqi citizen and leaving at least five others seriously injured. Iraqi police later recovered the victim’s body, while the wounded were shifted to hospitals, most reported to be in critical condition.

Shalamcheh is a key route for Iraq, especially for importing vegetables and other food supplies from Iran. Traders say even a short disruption at this crossing can quickly impact local markets and food availability.

A few hours after the incident, Iraqi authorities also briefly suspended movement at the Safwan border crossing with Kuwait. Officials reported hearing explosions on the Kuwaiti side and said drones were seen flying overhead shortly before the blasts.

Both crossings have since resumed normal operations, easing concerns over supply disruptions and passenger movement.

Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi has said that Tehran never refused to hold talks in Islamabad with the United States, adding that its position was being misrepresented by US media.

In a post on social media platform X, along with a video showing Iranian women holding Pakistani flags and raising slogans in support of Pakistan, Araghchi said: “Iran’s position is being misrepresented by US media.”

“We are deeply grateful to Pakistan for its efforts and have never refused to go to Islamabad. What we care about are the terms of a conclusive and lasting end to the illegal war imposed on us,” he said.