# Iraq Reopens Key Border Crossings With Iran After Drone Attack Investigation Closures

*Sunday, September 13, 2026 at 10:07 AM UTC — Hamer Intelligence Services Desk*

**Published**: 2026-09-13T10:07:18.229Z (1h ago)
**Category**: geopolitics | **Region**: Middle East
**Importance**: 7/10
**Sources**: OSINT
**Permalink**: https://hamerintel.com/data/articles/17703.md
**Source**: https://hamerintel.com/summaries

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**Deck**: Iraq has started reopening the Shalamcheh, al‑Shib and Mandali crossings with Iran after temporary closures linked to an investigation into a drone attack on Saudi Arabia’s East–West oil pipeline, restoring passenger traffic and phasing back commercial flows through 17 September.

Iraq is easing restrictions on travel and trade with Iran, reopening border crossings that were temporarily closed as part of an investigation into a drone attack on Saudi Arabia’s East–West oil pipeline.

According to information released on 13 September, passenger traffic has resumed at the Shalamcheh and al‑Shib crossings on the Iran–Iraq border. Commercial traffic at Shalamcheh, Mandali and al‑Shib is set to return in stages through 17 September.

The crossings were shut as Iraqi authorities examined possible links between their territory and the drone strike on the Saudi pipeline, which carries oil from eastern Saudi Arabia toward the Red Sea.

For travellers, the reopenings mean that people who had been blocked from crossing can now move again between the two countries. The Iraq–Iran border is heavily used by pilgrims, families and workers, so even short‑term closures can disrupt plans for medical treatment, religious visits and employment.

For traders and transport companies, the crossings are important routes for Iranian exports of food, consumer goods and industrial products into Iraq, and for Iraqi exports going the other way. Closures risk leaving perishable goods stuck at the border and delaying shipments.

At the same time, Iran is adjusting its own energy arrangements. A deputy energy minister said Iran has signed contracts to import about 320 megawatts of electricity from Turkmenistan and between 300 and 350 megawatts from Armenia.

Regionally, Iraq’s decision to first close and then reopen these crossings underlines how border controls are being used as a tool in response to drone and missile threats against energy infrastructure.

Key developments to watch include any further details from Iraq or Saudi Arabia about the drone attack investigation, additional security measures at the reopened border posts, and whether future incidents trigger similar closures or more targeted responses.