policy
The Iraqi government faces increasing challenges in the issue of arms control as the closure of the Sheeb border crossing with Iran and the ongoing foreign military presence complicate the situation. The closure of the crossing is part of international, particularly American, pressures aimed at tightening control over border crossings and financial flows, coinciding with escalating internal political disputes over the arms control file. The government spokesperson explained that the crossing was closed due to technical and operational unpreparedness, aiming to develop its infrastructure and enhance logistical efficiency, while trade continues through other crossings with Iran. However, this explanation conflicts with reports indicating American pressures on Baghdad to close more crossings to limit the movement of funds and goods benefiting sanctioned entities. This issue was also raised during the Iraqi Prime Minister's meetings in New York, where border crossings were discussed with the American side, while Iranian sources confirm that crossings remain open to travelers despite delays in truck movements. Strategic experts view the closure as linked to shifts in border management and international financial pressures, with a shift from banking systems to stricter field measures at crossings, placing Baghdad before challenges of avoiding sanctions and maintaining political and trade relations with Tehran. Experts warn that expanding closure measures could reshape border trade flows and increase pressure on economic sectors reliant on trade with Iran. Meanwhile, the arms control file has re-emerged politically, with the government insisting on a timeline to resolve it by mid-2027, threatening legal action against entities obstructing implementation. The Turkish Defense Minister's announcement of continued Turkish forces presence in Iraq and Syria until border security is ensured has reignited the issue of foreign military presence, reinforcing armed factions' justifications for retaining their weapons. Arrangements to gradually hand over the Bashiqah-Zilkan camp to Iraqi authorities over three months have been reported, though Ankara ties its steps to security developments. Some Iraqi parties consider addressing the foreign military presence a priority over demanding armed factions to disarm. A leader of an armed faction described calls for disarmament as an American project aimed at weakening Iraq’s defense capabilities, linking Turkey's refusal to set a withdrawal deadline with the ongoing need for weapons to counter foreign ambitions, viewing arms as part of national defense against occupation and terrorism. The director of a Middle East studies center warned that the ongoing foreign military presence provides factions with further reasons to hold onto their weapons under the pretext of resisting foreign presence, cautioning that continued disputes may disperse intelligence efforts and create gaps exploited by terrorist groups, especially in rugged border areas requiring continuous monitoring and intelligence coordination. Thus, the issues of border closures with Iran and American pressures on financial and trade oversight intertwine with internal debates on arms control and foreign military presence, placing Iraq before simultaneous political, security, and economic challenges that require integrated and decisive solutions.
