Border Crossings Between Iran and Kurdistan Region Gradually Reopen as Trade Resumes

Peregraf — Several key border crossings between Iran and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq have begun to reopen after a period of closure linked to the war involving the United States and Israel on Iran, allowing commercial trade to gradually resume.

Authorities confirmed that the Parvizkhan crossing, located in Sulaymaniyah Governorate, reopened on March 11, restoring one of the region's busiest trade routes with Iran. The reopening followed the earlier resumption of operations at the Shoshme and Sayran Ban crossings, also in Sulaymaniyah Governorate.

According to the Kurdistan Region Import and Export Union, approximately 200 trucks entered the Kurdistan Region through Parvizkhan on the first day after it reopened, signaling a cautious return of cross-border commercial activity.

The crossings had been largely closed in recent days after the Islamic Republic of Iran suspended access to most border points with the Kurdistan Region amid rising regional tensions. During the closure, the Bashmakh crossing, located in Sulaymaniyah Governorate, remained the only operational route between Iran and the Kurdistan Region.

Trade through Bashmakh continued at a steady pace. On March 11 alone, about 600 trucks entered the Kurdistan Region through the crossing, including several transit shipments originating from Tajikistan, Armenia and countries in the Caucasus region.

Most of the transit cargo consisted of food commodities, particularly rice, a staple product frequently transported through regional trade corridors.

The Kurdistan Region Import and Export Union said it is closely monitoring the situation at all border points and maintaining daily coordination with relevant authorities to track developments in cross-border trade.

The union added that the Haji Omaran crossing, located in Erbil Governorate, another major gateway between Iran and the Kurdistan Region, is expected to reopen in the near future if current conditions remain stable.

Trade with Iran is a critical component of the Kurdistan Region's economy, with thousands of trucks crossing the border each week under normal circumstances. Officials and business groups say the gradual reopening of crossings could help stabilize supply chains and ease pressure on local markets after several days of disruption.

Despite the reopening of some crossings, regional tensions continue to cast uncertainty over trade routes and cross-border movement, leaving authorities and traders watching closely for further developments as the U.S.–Israel war on Iran enters its 13th day with no clear end in sight.