Authorities maintain movement as conflicting claims surround deadly incident
BAGHDAD: Pilgrims continued crossing from Iran into Iraq through the Shalamcheh border crossing despite heightened regional tensions and a recent deadly incident near the route, according to Iranian media reports.
The reports said large numbers of visitors travelling to the shrine of Imam Hussein in Karbala continued entering Iraq without major disruption. The movement of pilgrims has remained steady as religious travel continues ahead of commemorative events.
Iranian state-affiliated outlets claimed that three pilgrims were killed and 11 others were injured in a missile strike they attributed to the United States. The reports described the incident as occurring near the border area and alleged that the missiles were launched from US military bases in Kuwait.
However, US officials have not publicly confirmed carrying out such an attack, and Kuwait has not issued a statement supporting the allegation. The reported claims have not been independently verified.
Pilgrimage proceeds despite heightened tensions
Despite the reported incident, border crossings at Shalamcheh continued to receive pilgrims travelling from Iran into Iraq, according to the reports. Iraqi and Iranian authorities have continued facilitating cross-border religious travel while monitoring the security situation.
The Shalamcheh crossing is one of the main routes used by millions of pilgrims travelling to Iraq each year for religious observances, particularly visits to the holy shrines in Karbala.
Security concerns remain in focus
Regional tensions have increased in recent weeks amid ongoing military confrontations involving Iran and the United States. Several governments have also issued travel advisories warning of potential security risks across parts of the Middle East.
Officials on both sides of the border have urged pilgrims to follow security instructions and remain informed through official channels while travelling.
Meanwhile, independent verification of the reported strike and the circumstances surrounding the casualties remains unavailable. Authorities have not released additional details regarding any investigation into the incident, and no official confirmation has been provided by the United States regarding the allegations made in the Iranian reports.
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— ุตูุช ุงูุญู (@AlqadmAlthar) July 23, 2026
