DUBAI: Iran closed several crossing points with Iraq on Saturday in an effort to stem the spread of a mutant variant of coronavirus which the Iranian health minister said was entering from the neighboring country.
Crossing points to Iraq from Khuzestan province as well as the nearby provinces of Ilam and Kermanshah were being closed to travelers, Saeed Namaki told state TV.
Iran, the worst-hit country in the Middle East, faces a surge of new infections as 11 cities and towns in its southwestern Khuzestan province were declared high-risk “red” zones, state media reported.
Iraq’s health minister said on Monday that the new variant first found in Britain had been detected in the country which has been recording a sharp rise in infections.
“The main source of infection ... with the British coronavirus in Khuzestan province were travelers who came from Iraq, and for this reason we have closed the borders of this province until further notice,” Namaki said.
Last week, Namaki reported Iran’s first three deaths from the new virus variant and warned that it was spreading and soon “may be found in any city, village or family” in a fourth wave of infections.
Iran’s health ministry on Saturday reported 7,922 new cases of coronavirus and 68 deaths in the past 24 hours, taking the total death toll to 59,409, with 1,566,081 registered cases.
State broadcaster IRIB said goods transports were not affected by the passenger terminal closure at the main border crossing of Shalamcheh near Iraq’s southern city of Basra.
Iran closes Iraq border points to stem spread of coronavirus variant
https://arab.news/5ch62
Iran closes Iraq border points to stem spread of coronavirus variant
- Iran, the worst-hit country in the Middle East, faces a surge of new infections
- Iraq’s health minister said on Monday that the new variant first found in Britain had been detected in the country
Jordan-India partnership expanding across trade, technology and energy, says envoy
- Indian Ambassador to Jordan Manish Chauhan described ties between the two countries as longstanding and built on mutual trust
AMMAN: Jordan and India are deepening cooperation across a wide range of sectors including trade, digital technology, renewable energy and infrastructure, Indian Ambassador to Jordan Manish Chauhan said Saturday.
Speaking to Jordan News Agency, Chauhan described ties between the two countries as longstanding and built on mutual trust, adding that relations span political, economic, defense, security, cultural and educational cooperation.
He said regular political dialogue continues between the two countries, and highlighted the fourth round of foreign ministry consultations held in Amman in April 2025 and a fifth round due to take place in New Delhi.
Chauhan also highlighted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Jordan as a major milestone, coinciding with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
During the visit, Modi praised the leadership of King Abdullah II and said Jordan and India share a “strong” contemporary partnership rooted in deep cultural ties.
The Indian premier also commended Jordan’s growing role as a regional bridge connecting markets and fostering business and economic growth.
The ambassador said discussions between King Abdullah II and Modi highlighted a shared commitment to expanding cooperation, particularly in renewable energy, water management, digital transformation, cultural exchange and heritage.
India is Jordan’s third-largest trading partner, with bilateral trade valued at about $2.8 billion, JNA reported.
Chauhan said both sides are now working toward doubling trade to $5 billion over the next five years.
He added that opportunities for business collaboration are emerging in several sectors, including digital public infrastructure, fintech, health-tech and agri-tech, as well as sectors such as pharmaceuticals, medical devices, green mobility, agriculture, food processing and heritage tourism.
On regional issues, Chauhan highlighted India’s longstanding support for Palestine, adding that New Delhi was among the first non-Arab states to recognize the Palestine Liberation Organization in the 1970s and the Palestinian state in 1988.
The ambassador said that the Indian Embassy in Amman remained committed to advancing the growing partnership in close coordination with Jordanian counterparts.
