Iraq has rejected reports alleging that Yemen’s Houthi movement operates military bases on its territory, insisting that it will not permit foreign armed groups to use the country as a base for attacks against neighbouring states.
Government spokesman Haider al-Aboudi dismissed claims circulating on social media about Houthi facilities in Iraq, saying no such headquarters or bases existed, according to the Iraqi News Agency (INA).
He stressed that Baghdad would not allow its territory to become involved in regional military confrontations or accommodate armed groups participating in foreign conflicts.
“Iraq will not serve as a launching point for attacks against neighboring countries, nor will it host any armed group participating in a particular conflict,” Aboudi said.
Speaking to Iraqi news outlet Ultra Iraq, the spokesman added that the government had no reason to take action against alleged Houthi facilities because, according to him, they did not exist.
He also emphasised that allowing foreign armed organisations to establish a presence in Iraq would violate the country’s constitutional principles.
Iraq Closes Al-Sheib Border Crossing with Iran
Separately, Iraqi authorities announced the closure of the al-Sheib border crossing with Iran, suspending passenger and commercial traffic until further notice.
Aboudi attributed the decision to shortcomings in the crossing’s technical systems, infrastructure and logistical capabilities.
He said the suspension would allow authorities to improve the facility’s operational readiness, while trade between Iraq and Iran would continue through other border crossings.
However, Ultra Iraq cited a source within Iraq’s Coordination Framework as saying that Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi had ordered the closure to review security arrangements.
The source also claimed that the decision was intended to address dollar smuggling and was unrelated to US sanctions against Iran.
Iran Confirms Closure, Advises Alternative Route
Iranian authorities confirmed that the crossing, known as Chazabeh on the Iranian side, had been closed to both travellers and commercial shipments.
According to Iran’s Tasnim news agency, Valiollah Hayati, deputy governor of Khuzestan province for security affairs, said the suspension would remain in effect until further notice.
He advised travellers and businesses to use the Shalamcheh border crossing as an alternative while officials from both countries coordinate efforts to reopen Chazabeh.
The developments come amid heightened regional security concerns, with Baghdad emphasising its opposition to foreign armed groups operating from Iraqi territory while reviewing security and infrastructure arrangements along its border with Iran.