Shafaq News- Baghdad
Around 60 foreign archaeological missions have beenunable to enter Iraq due to recent regional tensions, the head of the StateBoard of Antiquities and Heritage, Ali Obaid Shalgham, said on Tuesday.
Speaking to Shafaq News, Shalgham attributed thedisruption to the escalation involving the United States and Israel on one sideand Iran on the other since Feb. 28, which forced the cancellation orpostponement of excavation and survey work across multiple sites. The situationhas also limited Iraqi archaeologists’ access to specialized training programs,both locally and abroad, typically led by international experts, slowingefforts to build national expertise.
He added that the authority is developing temporarymeasures to sustain fieldwork and protect heritage sites under currentconditions.
The impact has extended to tourism. US-based Al-Monitorpointed to a sharp decline in visitors to holy sites in Najaf and Karbala,affecting local economies and workers in the sector, alongside disruptions toair travel and higher ticket costs.
: Iraq airspace closure costs $43 million during US-Israel war on Iran
Despite this, Iraq recorded rising numbers of Arab andforeign visitors throughout 2025 and early 2026, with Baghdad leading arrivals,particularly for cultural and historical tourism, according to InteriorMinistry spokesperson Miqdad Miri.
Economic data shows that tourism revenue grew by 25% in 2024 to$5.7 billion, up from $4.6 billion in 2023, placing Iraq among leading Arabtourism earners. Baghdad’s profile was further elevated after the Arab TourismOrganization designated it Arab Capital of Tourism for 2025. Prime Minister’sadviser for tourism and antiquities Omar Al-Alawi indicated that Iraq aims todiversify beyond religious tourism and attract up to 10 million visitorsannually over the next decade through infrastructure upgrades and heritagerestoration to boost non-oil revenues.
