Iraq closes three Iran border crossings after drone strikes on Saudi pipeline

September 12, 2026 at 11:53 PM2 min

This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.

Iraq closed three border crossings with Iran on Saturday after confirming drone attacks on Saudi Arabia's East-West oil pipeline were launched from its territory. Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi dismissed the military commander in Maysan province and approved a joint investigation with Iran. No group has claimed responsibility for Thursday's attack.

Key Facts

Iraq closed the Shalamcheh, al-Shib, and Mandali border crossings with Iran on Saturday.
The drone attack on Saudi Arabia's East-West oil pipeline occurred on Thursday.
Saudi Arabia temporarily suspended the pipeline as a precautionary measure on Friday.
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi dismissed the military commander in Maysan province.
US President Donald Trump said Iran was 'probably' behind the attacks without providing evidence.

Border Closures

Iraq temporarily closed three of its crossings into Iran after drone launch sites were discovered in the country, an Iraqi security source told Al Jazeera on Saturday. The closed crossings are Shalamcheh in Basra province, al-Shib in Maysan province, and Mandali in Diyala province. Iraq primarily ordered the closures over fears that the perpetrators of the attacks could flee to Iran. A search operation is under way in the al-Tayyib area of Maysan after drone launchers were discovered there.

Investigation and Command Changes

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi approved a request by Iran to conduct a joint investigation into the discovery of drone launch platforms near the border. The announcement was made on Saturday by Sabah al-Numan, spokesman for the commander-in-chief of the Iraqi armed forces. The statement did not provide further details regarding where the drones were found or how many there were. Earlier, the prime minister's office said the attack was launched from the southeastern province of Maysan, and al-Zaidi dismissed the military commander there.

Attack and Pipeline Suspension

The attack on the East-West oil pipeline took place on Thursday, with Saudi Arabia announcing it was temporarily suspending the route as a precautionary measure the following day. On Friday, Riyadh said the drones were launched from Iraq, where Iran commands significant influence, including over armed groups. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack. The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group of Iran-backed armed fighters, said in a statement that the attack was an honour that they do not claim. The temporary suspension of the pipeline is a significant blow to Saudi Arabia, as the route was Riyadh's only major alternative to the Strait of Hormuz, which remains partially closed.