Mehran crossing on the border with Iraq was reopened on Monday for the trade between Iran and Iraq to be resumed, Iran's Customs Administration announced.
Iran's Customs Administration spokesman spokesman Rouollah Latifi said the key border crossing was reopened after continued talks with Iraqi officials and now trading is in process by transshipment through the border.
He said that the crossing would be open on Monday and Wednesday this week and the cargo of 500 trucks, some previously unloaded, would be moved.
The official also noted that the crossing would be open on Sundays and Wednesdays from next week allowing 500 trucks to move weekly.
Health protocols are strictly applied on Mehran crossing, having all workers use protective equipment and the area and cargo continually disinfected, according to Latifi.
Mehran border crossing was closed in March due to coronavirus outbreak.
The map shows main border crossings between Iran and Iraq
Iranian officials were continually talking to Iraqi counterparts to reopen the crossing under health protocols.
Iran and Iraqi Kurdistan also reached an agreement before to reopen the Shushmi border to cargo traffic under the supervision of a medical team and the police.
Drivers welcomed the re-opening of the border which links the semi-autonomous Kurdistan region of Iraq with Iran, saying that many lost their jobs because of its closure. The border still remains closed for tourists and the regular passage of people.
Meanwhile Iran has resumed exports to the neighboring Afghanistan through border crossings of Milak, Mahiroud and Dogharoun despite the coronavirus pandemic.
After three months of closure of the key border crossing of Bazargan in the northwest of Iran over COVID-19 pandemic, Iran and Turkey reopened the gate for trade exchanges last week. 150 Iranian trucks and 36 Turkish trucks passed through the border on the first day of the reopening.