Middle EastUpdated Yesterday
Iraq reopens Shib; Mandali closure planned for maintenance.
Shib resumed operations at 8 a.m. local time Tuesday after technical requirements and administrative procedures were completed, while Mandali is scheduled to close temporarily from Friday for maintenance ahead of the rainy season. The Iraqi Border Ports Authority, in information carried by Saudi Gazette, did not specify a reopening date for Mandali. These operational explanations are separate from Asharq al-Awsat’s report, citing two political sources, that Washington was pressing Baghdad to close crossings with Iran. One source said the US Treasury raised the matter with the Iraqi prime minister. In earlier coverage, Asharq al-Awsat quoted an Iraqi government spokesperson saying Shib’s previous closure was temporary and administrative, for technical readiness, and should not be given a political interpretation. Separately, Saudi Arabia’s October 26 statement on the regional crisis supported de-escalation, dialogue, diplomatic solutions and mediation efforts by Qatar and Pakistan; it did not address the reported US request concerning Iraqi crossings.
Coverage started Yesterday