Three-day deadline: Maysan threatens to block roads after border probe

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi ordered an investigation into the Maysan Provincial Council on Monday.

The directive followed a threat by Council Chairman Mustafa Da'ir to launch civil disobedience if the al-Shib border crossing with Iran remained closed.

Authorities shut the crossing last week. An Iraqi official told Reuters that the closure allows for upgrades to security and detection equipment.

Salwan Taha Akreyi, a lawmaker from the Kurdistan Democratic Party, offered a different account. He told Kurdistan24 that Baghdad closed the crossing at Washington's request to limit transit to Iran and block militia strengthening efforts.

Da'ir warned that he would cut the province off from the rest of the country. He gave Baghdad a three-day deadline before escalating his response.

Dozens of protesters blocked roads leading to regional oil companies to oppose the closure, according to Asharq Al-Awsat.

The Badr bloc, a Shiite Islamist group, rejected the prime minister's call for an inquiry. Shafaq News reported that Badr argued the closure hurt the local economy and risked damaging relations between Baghdad and the province.

The group also urged the government to increase efforts against smuggling through unofficial crossings in the Kurdistan region.

The standoff occurs as the Strait of Hormuz blockade leaves Iran more dependent on land routes through Iraq and Pakistan.

Tehran condemned the al-Shib shutdown and rejected allegations that the crossing was used for drug and counterfeit currency trafficking.