Iraq Criticizes Tehran Over 'Illegal Influx' of Iranian Pilgrims

The Iraqi Ministry of Interior has criticized Iranian officials for the influx of Iranian pilgrims without visas to one of the borders, resulting in clashes with border guards and damage to border barriers. Iranian officials state that the Mehran border has been closed 'due to disorder.' According to Reuters, on December 9, the Iraqi Ministry of Interior criticized the 'influx' of tens of thousands of Iranian pilgrims to a border point without visas. In a statement issued on this matter, it was mentioned that the pilgrims heading to Karbala injured border guards and destroyed barriers. Meanwhile, it has been stated that security forces at the border of the two countries refrained from using force to prevent the entry of pilgrims. The Iraqi Ministry of Interior claims, 'In our opinion, the Iranian side is at fault, as it has not fulfilled its duties and obligations.' Iranian officials have repeatedly emphasized that entry into Iraq to participate in the Arbaeen ceremony of the third Shiite Imam is only permitted with a visa from that country. Nevertheless, it seems that a significant number of pilgrims have disregarded this requirement and headed to Iraq. According to the IRNA news agency, the head of the Central Arbaeen Headquarters has also stated that those who went towards the Mehran border were 'visa-less.' This Iranian official added, 'We have no choice but to close the routes towards Mehran and prevent vehicle traffic in that direction from today noon (December 9).' Hossein Zolfaqari, in an extraordinary meeting held regarding this issue, referred to the 'discontent of Iraqi officials' but stated that the issue of unilaterally closing the border from the Iraqi side is currently off the table. He also warned Iranian pilgrims that if they enter Iraqi territory without a visa, 'Iran will provide no consular or political assistance to them.' A local official told Reuters that the number of Iranians who have illegally entered through the 'Zurbatiyah' border (the other side of the Mehran border in Iraqi territory) has exceeded 'half a million.' No official has announced the number of individuals who have entered Iraq without a visa. The criticism from the Iraqi Ministry of Interior towards Iranian officials and the events that have occurred are considered unprecedented; Tehran supports the central government of Iraq, and a group of Shiite militias in that country also receive support from Iran and Iranian military forces.