Iraqi authorities have closed several border crossings with Iran, suspending passenger and commercial freight transit via the Al Sheeb crossing. An adviser to Prime Minister Ali Al Zaidi cited security breaches, smuggling, and unauthorized entries. The sudden closures prompted protests by lorry drivers in Maysan province.
Russian government bodies have reinforced warnings advising citizens to avoid travel to Iran, covering both tourism and transit trips through Iranian airports. The travel notices follow escalating regional conflict and widespread airspace restrictions that have prompted commercial flight rerouting across the Middle East. Official updates for neighboring states such as the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia urge travelers to monitor spillover risks rather than halting travel.
Iraq's top state authorities are meeting to address restrictions on Iranian flights and US sanctions warnings targeting airports handling Iranian carriers. While no nationwide ban was formally enacted, airports in Baghdad, Najaf, Erbil, and Al-Sulaymaniyah have suspended flights to and from Iran. Washington warned that punitive measures could target entities providing ground-handling, refueling, or landing services to designated Iranian airlines.
Commercial flights operated by Iraqi Airways between Iranian airports and Najaf resumed on September 28, 2026. Operations had been halted after foreign ground-handling companies refused aircraft servicing over concerns regarding U.S. sanctions. The resumption follows intervention by Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi after protests at Najaf International Airport.
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