All Iran-Iraq Border Crossings Open for Arbaeen Pilgrims: Official
The head of Iran's Central Headquarters for Arbaeen announced that all border crossings leading to Iraq are fully operational and prepared to facilitate the entry and exit of pilgrims traveling to attend the Arbaeen pilgrimage.
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Ali Akbar Pourjamshidian said the Shalamcheh, Chazzabeh, Mehran, Khosravi, Bashmaq, and Tamarchin border crossings in western Iran are fully ready to accommodate pilgrims heading to Iraq for the Arbaeen pilgrimage, adding that no major obstacles exist to their travel.
He noted that although some border crossings had come under threat during the recent US-Israeli war of aggression, the relevant authorities have successfully addressed those issues. Based on inspections conducted over the past few days, he said, officials found no significant problems that could disrupt the movement of pilgrims.
He advised pilgrims to make use of all available border crossings rather than concentrating on a single route.
The official also urged travelers to choose the border crossing closest to their place of residence to reduce waiting times, particularly amid the summer heat.
Arbaeen, one of the world's largest annual religious gatherings, marks the 40th day after Ashura, the anniversary of the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (AS), the third Imam of the Shiite Muslims.
Every year, millions of pilgrims from Iran and across the world travel to the Iraqi holy city of Karbala to commemorate the occasion at the shrine of Imam Hussein (AS).
To facilitate the pilgrimage, Iran and Iraq have expanded bilateral coordination through a series of agreements aimed at easing travel procedures, removing visa restrictions for pilgrims, improving transportation and public services, strengthening medical and logistical support, and enhancing security at border crossings.
The annual Arbaeen pilgrimage will culminate in massive mourning ceremonies in Karbala on August 4.