Iran Closes Border with Iraq: What is Happening in the Country

The Iranian authorities have temporarily closed the border with Iraq for security reasons, announced Majid Mirahmadi, Iran's Deputy Minister of Interior, as reported by RIA Novosti.

This decision was made against the backdrop of unrest that has erupted in Baghdad. According to local media reports, the death toll has reached 30, with over 700 injured.

It is noteworthy that the followers of Shia leader Muqtada al-Sadr continue to shell the government’s 'Green Zone' in central Baghdad, despite an ongoing curfew, with explosions and gunfire reported in the area.

Moreover, the government security service’s information office announced on Twitter that the 'Green Zone' was shelled with four rockets this morning, damaging residential complexes. Security forces have identified that the rockets were fired from the Al-Habibah and Al-Baladiah districts.

The situation in Iraq escalated after Sadr announced on August 29 that he was ceasing political activities and shutting down all offices of his party, citing a lack of consensus within the government to hold early parliamentary elections and the impossibility of forming a broad coalition in parliament following his faction's victory in last autumn’s elections.