Iraq Announces Timeline to Reopen Iran Border Crossings After Seizing Drone Launch Platform Used in Saudi Pipeline Attack, Will Gradually Resume Passenger and Trade Traffic Sunday Through Thursday

September 14, 2026

Sources: Al Jazeera, Malay Mail, 964 Media, Hans India, Karmactive, Al Quds English, NCRI, The New Arab, BOE Report, Wikipedia. Iraqi announcement of phased reopening September 13. Drone platform seizure reported by Al Jazeera September 13. Joint investigation with Iran confirmed by Al Jazeera, The New Arab, INA September 12-13. Saudi Foreign Ministry statement on Iraqi request reported September 11-12. Ali al-Zaidi confirmed as Iraqi Prime Minister (assumed office May 14, 2026) per Wikipedia article on Ali al-Zaidi, accessed September 14, 2026.

Iraqi authorities announced Sunday a timeline to gradually reopen three border crossings with Iran that were closed Saturday following the drone attack on Saudi Arabia's East-West oil pipeline, with crossings reopening for passengers and trade on a phased schedule from Sunday September 14 through Thursday September 18. Iraq's Security Media Cell said that after reviewing operations at the border crossings, they would reopen gradually. Iraqi security forces seized a drone-launching platform allegedly used in the attack, according to Al Jazeera. Iraq closed the Shalamcheh crossing in Basra, the al-Shib crossing in Maysan, and the Mandali crossing in Diyala on Saturday, citing the need to reorganize operations and boost intelligence efforts to stop violations after investigations confirmed the drones that struck the Saudi pipeline Friday were launched from Maysan province near the Iranian border. Two Iraqi security sources told AFP on Saturday that drone launchers were found near the al-Shib border crossing in Maysan. Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi dismissed the Maysan Operations Commander and Maysan Police Commander on Saturday and ordered the formation of a special investigative council to probe the issue. Iraqi Prime Minister al-Zaidi approved a request by Iran to conduct a joint investigation into the discovery of drone launch platforms, according to Al Jazeera and multiple regional outlets. The attack on the Saudi pipeline in the Riyadh and Medina regions caused injuries and material damage and forced the shutdown of the pipeline, cutting 700,000 barrels per day of Saudi export capacity. Saudi Arabia said it would not retaliate for now at Iraq's request but reserves the right to take all necessary measures to protect its sovereignty, security and critical facilities.