Iran-Iraq trade continues to grow despite one border crossing closure, chamber chairman says

The head of the Iran-Iraq Joint Chamber of Commerce, Yahya Al-e Es'hagh, said trade between the two countries is on a growth trajectory and is continuing without interruption through all but one border crossing, according to Mehr News Agency (MNA).

Al-e Es'hagh dismissed concerns over the temporary closure of the Chazzabeh border crossing, describing the bilateral relationship as deeply strategic and supported by strong mutual economic needs. He said that while localized and temporary developments may affect the immediate volume of trade, they do not undermine the fundamental pillars of cooperation between the two neighboring nations.

"The closure of a single border is not in the interest of either country," Al-e Es'hagh stated, adding that active negotiations between relevant authorities in Tehran and Baghdad are already under way to restore normal operations at the crossing.

He highlighted that the continued functioning of other border crossings has allowed economic actors to redirect their activities, ensuring that commercial exchanges have not stalled. The chairman's remarks were reported by Mehr News Agency, which noted that the joint chamber oversees trade ties between the two countries.