Iraqi authorities shut the Al Sheeb border crossing with Iran to both travellers and commercial goods on October 21, 2026. The closure took effect at 6:00 a.m. local time to review security arrangements and install anti-smuggling detection equipment. Iranian officials reported receiving no advance notice of the suspension.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced that global diplomatic pressure has yielded restrictions on Iranian aviation and banking networks. The UAE has suspended all flights by Iranian airlines and blocked transactions via Bank Melli branches, while smaller Iranian carriers continue operating routes to China. Turkey and Oman have also halted flights from Mahan Air, and Turkey revoked Bank Mellat's operating license.
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