Iran: Authorities close Khosravi border crossing with Iraq October 3

Event

Iranian government officials announced the closure of the Khosravi border crossing, on the Iranian-Iraqi border, on Thursday, October 3, due to recent unrest in Iraq. The crossing is typically used by hundreds of thousands of Shi'a individuals during the annual Muslim religious celebration of Arba'een, which is set to take place between Saturday, October 19, and Sunday, October 20. Iran's foreign ministry on Thursday advised pilgrims to delay their visit to the Iraqi city of Karbala due to a recent spate of deadly opposition protests across Iraq. At least 19 people have been killed in Iraq since protests erupted on Tuesday, October 1. Officials stated that other border crossings with Iraq would remain open.

Advice

Individuals in Iran are advised to monitor the situation and refrain from nonessential travel to the border regions with Iraq.