Iraq has officially reopened the Qaim border crossing with Syria, allowing trade and passenger traffic to resume in a key step toward restoring economic and diplomatic ties between the two countries.
Iraq on Saturday reopened the Qaim border crossing with Syria for both cargo trucks and civilian travel, marking a major step in reviving cross-border trade and rebuilding relations with its war-torn neighbor.
“The Qaim crossing is now fully operational for both cargo trucks and civilian movement,” a spokesman for Iraq’s border authority. He noted that the reopening followed joint security assessments conducted by Iraqi and Syrian officials.
The crossing, located in Iraq’s western Anbar province, had been closed for years following Syria’s civil conflict and the ousting of former President Bashar al-Assad. The move comes three months after Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani visited Baghdad, urging Iraqi leaders to resume trade and people-to-people ties.
A statement from Iraq’s border crossings authority confirmed that the first Syrian truck passed through the border post on Saturday after routine inspection. Passenger movement also resumed, with officials citing a desire to ease travel for Iraqi citizens.
Local officials view the crossing as a vital economic artery. “This crossing will serve as a strategic corridor for commodity trade between Iraq and Syria,” said Turki al-Mahallawi, mayor of the border town of al-Qaim.
The reopening also signals improved ties between Baghdad and Damascus under Syria’s new President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who has prioritized restoring regional partnerships since taking office last year. Iraqi officials say bilateral coordination on border security and trade facilitation has increased significantly.
The Qaim crossing is expected to boost commercial activity and create new economic opportunities in western Iraq and eastern Syria, two regions that have long struggled with insecurity and underdevelopment.
Millions of Israelis are taking cover as sirens wail across the country amid a fresh wave of Iranian missile and drone attacks. Iran has launched a fresh wave of missile attacks on Israel according to the Iranian state news agency IRNA
Iran launches a new barrage of missiles and drones at Israel, triggering extensive Israeli counter-strikes on strategic sites. Impacts and casualties are reported in both nations.
Türkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan speaks with U.S. President Donald Trump, offering Ankara’s support to prevent the escalation between Israel and Iran.
President Donald Trump held a large military parade in Washington on Saturday to mark the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary and his 79th birthday.
The latest round of U.S.-Iran nuclear talks, scheduled for Sunday in Muscat, have been canceled. This development follows Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian's explicit statement that Tehran refuses to negotiate as long as Israeli attacks persist.
Millions of Israelis are taking cover as sirens wail across the country amid a fresh wave of Iranian missile and drone attacks. Iran has launched a fresh wave of missile attacks on Israel according to the Iranian state news agency IRNA
Türkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan speaks with U.S. President Donald Trump, offering Ankara’s support to prevent the escalation between Israel and Iran.
President Donald Trump held a large military parade in Washington on Saturday to mark the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary and his 79th birthday.
On June 14, 2025, a group of protesters assembled outside the entrance to Baghdad's Green Zone, home to the US Embassy and key government institutions, to voice opposition to Israeli strikes on Iran.
Iran launches a new barrage of missiles and drones at Israel, triggering extensive Israeli counter-strikes on strategic sites. Impacts and casualties are reported in both nations.
Pakistan will begin its first freight train service to Russia from Lahore on June 22. The route is part of the INSTC and aims to connect Pakistan's rail network with Central Asia, establishing a new trade corridor via Iran, Turkmenistan, and Kazakhstan.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for June 8th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Presidential candidate Miguel Uribe Turbay is in critical condition after being shot three times — including twice in the head — during a campaign event in Bogotá.
Israeli strikes have reportedly targeted areas near the residences of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian, according to the New York Times, citing local witnesses.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has condemned U.S. immigration raids and National Guard deployment in Los Angeles, calling for reforms instead of enforcement.
Azerbaijan will not permit any country to use its territory to strike a third party, including Iran, Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov tells his Iranian counterpart Seyyed Abbas Araghchi in a phone call on Saturday.
President Donald Trump held a large military parade in Washington on Saturday to mark the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary and his 79th birthday.
The latest round of U.S.-Iran nuclear talks, scheduled for Sunday in Muscat, have been canceled. This development follows Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian's explicit statement that Tehran refuses to negotiate as long as Israeli attacks persist.
Peace is no longer a dream. It is a discussion. On the streets of Baku and Yerevan, it is also a question, of trust, of foreign interests, and of who truly wants it.
Iranian authorities are reportedly beginning the evacuation of Mehrabad International Airport in Tehran.
Millions of Israelis are taking cover as sirens wail across the country amid a fresh wave of Iranian missile and drone attacks. Iran has launched a fresh wave of missile attacks on Israel according to the Iranian state news agency IRNA
Türkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan speaks with U.S. President Donald Trump, offering Ankara’s support to prevent the escalation between Israel and Iran.
President Donald Trump held a large military parade in Washington on Saturday to mark the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary and his 79th birthday.
On June 14, 2025, a group of protesters assembled outside the entrance to Baghdad's Green Zone, home to the US Embassy and key government institutions, to voice opposition to Israeli strikes on Iran.
Iran launches a new barrage of missiles and drones at Israel, triggering extensive Israeli counter-strikes on strategic sites. Impacts and casualties are reported in both nations.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment