Iran’s Embassy in Baghdad has categorically dismissed allegations by a senior adviser to Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi regarding the closure of the al-Sheeb border crossing opposite Iran’s Chazabeh border crossing to passengers and cargo.

In a statement released on Saturday, the diplomatic mission roundly rejected Abdul Amir Taiban’s claims that the shutdown of the crossing in Maysan Governorate was due to “Iran’s serious violations against Iraq, including undermining security, damaging the economy, smuggling drugs and violating Iraqi sovereignty.”

He further alleged that drugs and counterfeit currency are among the most serious problems facing Iraq in its dealings with Iran.

The Iranian embassy called on relevant Iraqi authorities to take a serious stance against such allegations, which seriously harm relations between the two Muslim nations.

Iran, Iraq sign key border security agreement following high-level talks

Iran and Iraq sign a memorandum of understanding to boost security along the shared border.

Taiban’s controversial remarks come as relations between Tehran and Baghdad, especially in the field of border and economic cooperation, are of strategic importance.

The damaging allegations also come as Zaidi is seeking to maintain balanced relations between Baghdad, Tehran and Washington while advancing efforts to place weapons under exclusive state control.