Baghdad:Following a US request to close border crossings with Iran, the Sadiqun bloc has emphasized that the decision regarding these crossings is a sovereign one, determined by Iraqi interests.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the Sadiqun parliamentary bloc clarified that decisions to open or close the border crossings are made in line with Iraq’s security, economic, and national interests, independent of any external influences.

The bloc issued a statement in response to the US request, communicated by the Foreign Minister, to close most border crossings with Iran, except for two. The statement called on the Iraqi government to provide a unified and official explanation for the closure of the Al-Shaib crossing in Maysan, following previous justifications that cited technical and security factors.

The Sadiqun bloc expressed concerns over discrepancies in statements from the government and the Foreign Minister, urging the government to clarify these contradictions. They support border control measures and efforts to prevent smuggling but argue that indefinite closures could negatively impact local traders, drivers, and residents in Maysan and southern provinces. The bloc requested the government to establish a clear timeline for reopening the crossing and address the grievances of those affected by the closure.