Shafaq News- Diyala
The Mandali-Somar border crossing between Iraq and Iran willopen to Iranian passenger traffic later this week after years of servingcommercial trade only, Mandali District head Ali Dhamad told Shafaq News onMonday.
The crossing will initially receive at least 1,000 visitorsper day, easing pressure on the Al-Mundhiriyah crossing in eastern Diyala, theprovince's only existing passenger crossing with Iran.
Iraqi authorities have completed all logistical andtechnical preparations after securing the required government approvals, whileonly minor technical work remains on the Iranian side.
Dhamad said authorities aim to keep the Mandali-Somarcrossing open to passenger traffic beyond the religious pilgrimage season,adding that the move would strengthen cross-border movement and boost economic,commercial, and tourism activity between Iraq and Iran.