Iran-Iraq Borders Reopen, Flights Resume

Iran reopened all its borders with Iraq on Wednesday, a day after they were closed due to the security situation arising from Iraqi Shia cleric Muqtada Al-Sadr’s announcement to quit political work.
“All borders with Iraq are open both for outgoing pilgrims and trade purposes,” spokesman of the Islamic Republic of Iran Customs Administration was also quoted as saying by IRNA. 
The reopening came shortly after Sadr called on his supporters to withdraw from the streets, state media reported.
Tehran had closed its borders and halted flights to Iraq amid an eruption of violence in the neighboring country.
Millions of Iranians travel to the Iraqi city of Karbala every year for the ritual of Arbaeen, which marks the end of a 40-day mourning period for Imam Hussein (PBUH), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Arbaeen falls on Sept. 16-17 this year.
Tehran had also moved to halt flights to Iraq. 
“Flights to Najaf Airport have returned to normal,” Saeed Chalandari, the caretaker of Imam Khomeini International Airport, said on Tuesday afternoon.