Iraqi authorities have temporarily shut three border crossings with Iran following the discovery of drone launch sites within the country’s borders. According to an Iraqi security source, the closures at Shalamcheh in Basra province, al-Shib in Maysan province, and Mandali in Diyala province were implemented to prevent those responsible for recent attacks from fleeing across the border. Additionally, the al-Tayyib border area in southeastern Maysan province was closed after drone launchers were found there, with search operations underway.
The Iraqi government confirmed that drone attacks on Saudi Arabia’s East-West oil pipeline originated from its territory. Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi approved a joint investigation with Iran into the discovery of drone launch platforms near the border, according to a statement from the commander-in-chief spokesman. The prime minister’s office indicated the attack was launched from Maysan province and resulted in the dismissal of the military commander stationed there.
Saudi Arabia announced the temporary suspension of the East-West oil pipeline as a precautionary measure following the Thursday attack. The pipeline had served as Riyadh’s primary alternative export route to the Strait of Hormuz, which remains partially closed amid ongoing US-Iran tensions. The suspension creates significant constraints on Saudi Arabia’s oil export capacity until operations resume or alternative routes become available.
No group has formally claimed responsibility for the attacks. The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an Iran-backed armed umbrella organization, stated it does not claim credit for the operation. U.S. President Donald Trump, visiting Ireland, suggested Iran was “probably” responsible but provided no supporting evidence. Saudi Arabia has previously attributed attacks on its oil infrastructure to Iran-linked groups operating in Iraq.
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