Iraq is stepping up security measures amid fears of renewed conflict with Iran, following reported Iranian strikes on the Kurdistan Region and hundreds of attacks by Iran-backed militias inside Iraq, many targeting US diplomatic facilities.
Baghdad has closed several crossings with Iran, while Kurdish officials have denied allegations that Ukrainian troops or drones are operating from their territory. Both moves reflect Iraq’s efforts to avoid becoming embroiled in another regional conflict.
One of the closed crossings is Al-Sheeb in southern Maysan province. Iraqi authorities cited planned security and technical upgrades, while Iran criticized Baghdad for failing to provide advance notice. Tehran also rejected allegations of drug and counterfeit currency smuggling, according to Rudaw.
The crossing has drawn attention amid wider regional tensions. Rudaw reported that Iranian businessman Babak Zanjani called for restrictions on Iraqi oil tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz following a reported drone attack on Saudi Arabia’s East-West oil pipeline attributed to an Iran-backed Iraqi militia.
The Kurdistan Regional Government’s Interior Ministry separately dismissed reports of a Ukrainian military presence in the region. According to the Iraqi News Agency, the ministry said Thursday that the allegations were baseless and stressed that Kurdistan would not allow its territory to be used for attacks against other countries.
The statement comes as Iran continues to pressure Baghdad over Iranian Kurdish opposition groups based in northern Iraq.
Iraq, Jordan Strengthen Security Coordination
Iraq and Jordan are seeking closer security cooperation as Baghdad works to protect its borders. Iraqi Interior Minister Yasser al-Maliki spoke with Jordanian counterpart Mazen al-Faraya on Wednesday about expanding coordination between their ministries, the Iraqi News Agency reported.
Western Iraq remains a security concern because its vast, sparsely populated desert areas near Jordan and Syria could provide opportunities for armed groups to operate.
Baghdad is also reviewing security along its Syrian border. Defense Minister Nayef Mukayif al-Shammari inspected military positions in Nineveh province from the air on Saturday to assess troop deployments and operational readiness, according to Iraq’s Defense Ministry.
The measures underscore Iraq’s efforts to strengthen border defenses and limit the risk of being drawn into escalating regional hostilities.