Iraq closed the Shalamcheh border crossing with Iran after airstrikes on the Iranian side killed one Iraqi and wounded at least five, security sources said on April 4. The strikes struck a passenger reception area; Iraqi police recovered a body and the injured were taken to hospital, most in critical condition. Iraq's border authorities have suspended trade and travel through the crossing pending security checks.
Iraq Shuts Shalamcheh Border Crossing After Airstrikes Kill Iraqi, Wound Several
Vehicles drive at the Shalamcha border crossing between Iraq and Iran, in Basra, Iraq, March 24, 2026. REUTERS/Essam al-Sudani/File Photo
April 4 (Reuters) - Iraqi authorities have closed the Shalamcheh border crossing with Iran after airstrikes on the Iranian side killed one Iraqi and wounded several others, security sources said on Saturday.
Sources reported that at least five Iraqis were seriously wounded when the strikes hit a passenger reception area on the Iranian side of the frontier. Iraqi police recovered the body of a man at the scene, and the injured were taken to hospital, with most described as being in critical condition.
In a statement, Iraq's border authorities said they had ordered the Shalamcheh crossing closed to both trade and travellers while security assessments continue. The closure affects an important transit point between the two countries.
Reporting: Ahmed Rasheed; Editing: Alison Williams (Reuters)
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