Iraq’s state news agency reported that the country will temporarily close the Mandali border crossing with Iran (adjacent to Sumar in Kermanshah) starting from Friday “to complete technical requirements.” The report did not provide further details.

In recent weeks, a number of Iran-Iraq border crossings have been “temporarily” closed. These developments are taking place as the United States, in addition to imposing restrictions on Iran’s cross-border dealings with Turkey and Pakistan, has asked the Iraqi government to close border crossings with Iran.