Iraqi Border Guards Shut Iran Border Post

Iraqi border guards have temporarily closed one of the main points of entry with Iran: the Shalamsheh crossing point near the southern Iraqi city of Basra. This has resulted in keeping a large numbers of Iranian pilgrims from entering the country ahead of a major Shiite Muslim holy day. The border was likely closed until after Saturday.

Iraqi officials have frequently accused Iran of allowing insurgents to use its territory to enter Iraq, charges that Tehran has denied.