Iran’s border trade with Iraq, Pakistan continues despite Israeli airstrike
Trade between Iran and neighboring Iraq and Pakistan has continued with minimal disruption despite Israel’s recent airstrike on Iranian soil, officials and border sources confirmed.
The June 13 Israeli attack targeted infrastructure near Isfahan, prompting a temporary closure of Iranian airspace and heightened regional tensions. However, land border crossings have largely remained open, allowing commercial traffic to proceed as usual.
Jahanbakhsh Sanjabi Shirazi, Secretary-General of the Iran-Iraq Joint Chamber of Commerce, told ILNA on June 17 that “land borders remain open” and cross-border trade is ongoing “as before.” He emphasized that there has been “no major impact” on trade flows since the escalation.
Most of Iran’s border crossings with Iraq are operational. Aside from a brief three-day suspension, business has quickly returned to normal. Tehran continues to supply Baghdad with critical goods including fuel, foodstuffs, construction materials, and machinery.
Trade with Pakistan is also proceeding under normal conditions, according to Iranian customs officials. Key border points such as Mirjaveh-Taftan, Rimdan-Gabd, and Pishin-Radig remain active, facilitating steady two-way movement of goods. Major items in transit include rice imports and fuel exports.
A logistics official in Iran’s southeastern Sistan and Baluchestan province, speaking anonymously, reported no significant bottlenecks at border crossings. “Trade lorries are moving, customs are clearing goods, and operations are smooth,” he said.
While Pakistan has suspended pedestrian crossings for its nationals until further notice, cargo traffic continues uninterrupted. The official clarified, “The ban only applies to travelers, not freight.”
Iraq and Pakistan remain vital trade partners for Iran, especially amid Western sanctions limiting Tehran’s global market access. In the last Persian calendar year ending March 20, Iran exported $11.9 billion in non-oil goods to Iraq and $2.42 billion to Pakistan, with petroleum products and construction materials among the top exports.