Iranian authorities have announced that they received formal written approval from the governor of Iraq’s Maysan province—backed by both countries’ ambassadors—to reopen the international Jilat border crossing, following the completion of all necessary infrastructure on the Iranian side.
According to a report by the official IRNA news agency, Asadollah Joraghi, a member of Iran’s Islamic Consultative Assembly and representative of southern Ilam province, stated that reopening the Jilat crossing has long been a demand of residents in Dehloran and the southern region. The issue has been raised for years during field visits and joint negotiations with Iraqi officials.
Joraghi confirmed that conditions are now suitable for officially reopening the crossing.
He added that Ilam province shares a 420-kilometer border with Iraq, and the Jilat location holds strategic importance due to its proximity to oil fields and agricultural zones, as well as its quick access to Iraqi road networks.
He noted that two recent visits to Maysan province included direct meetings with the governor and local officials, resulting in written agreements from both sides to proceed with reopening procedures.
The Iranian lawmaker emphasized that the project has direct support from Iran’s ambassador in Baghdad and Iraq’s ambassador in Tehran, and that all customs facilities, access roads, and border security forces are ready on the Iranian side.
According to the report, the Iraqi side is expected to send an official letter to the Prime Minister to present the matter to the relevant government committees, while Iran’s Ministry of Interior will formally respond to that letter in preparation for launching operations.
The Jilat crossing lies less than 40 kilometers from the center of the Dehloran district. Its reopening is seen as a pivotal step toward boosting cross-border trade and agricultural exchange, strengthening cultural ties, creating job opportunities, and increasing exports of oil and other products.
Authorities affirm that this border crossing has the potential to become one of the most important international transport corridors between Iran and Iraq.