Iraqi Prime Minister Al-Zaidi Approves Joint Drone Launch Site Investigation with Iran
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, Iraqi Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Ali Al-Zaidi, has approved Iran’s request for a joint investigation into the discovery of drone launch platforms near the Iraqi-Iranian border. This decision was announced by Sabah Al-Nu’man, spokesperson for the Iraqi Prime Minister.
In a separate development, Iraqi sources reported that Prime Minister Al-Zaidi issued directives on Saturday for the entry and exit of stranded passengers at the Shalamcheh and Al-Shaib (Chazabeh) border crossings. Saad Maan, head of Iraq’s Security Information Unit, confirmed that Al-Zaidi ordered the movement of passengers caught at both sides of these crossings.
Furthermore, Prime Minister Al-Zaidi ordered the dismissal of the Maysan Province Police Chief. In parallel, a security source in Iraq revealed that Brigadier General Ali Al-Majidi has been appointed as the new commander of Maysan operations.
A high-ranking security committee also arrived in Maysan province to investigate an incident targeting oil facilities in Saudi Arabia. The Al-Shaib border crossing is currently closed until further notice, with only stranded passengers permitted to cross from both Iraq and Iran. The Shalamcheh border crossing in Basra province remains entirely closed to passenger and goods traffic, with only stranded individuals allowed to pass.
Specialized security committees are present at the Al-Shaib crossing to investigate alleged violations and develop a new organizational framework for its operations. The Zarbatia (Mehran) border crossing in Wasit province is open for passenger and trade exchanges between Iraq and Iran, with security agencies and border management closely monitoring the situation and implementing precautionary measures to prevent potential violations.
Omar Al-Waili, head of Iraq’s Border Crossing Organization, stated that the measures implemented at the border crossings with Iran are temporary. These actions are aimed at organizational and preparatory tasks, with the goal of reorganizing operations, enhancing readiness, and developing inspection and control mechanisms to ensure smooth passenger and goods movement according to approved procedures. He also noted that traffic at the Zarbatia and Mundhiriyah border crossings with Iran has not been halted.
Al-Waili added that the Border Crossing Organization is completing organizational requirements and preparations at other crossings to resume full operations once necessary measures are in place, which will lead to a high level of organization, control, and streamlined traffic. These statements come as Iraqi border crossings are undergoing periodic reviews of their organizational and technical needs in coordination with all active departments and agencies to strengthen border security and ensure uninterrupted trade and citizen movement.
