Iraq Completes First Transit Shipment Between Jordan and UAE Through Its Territory

Shanya Salar 2 hours ago
This aerial photo shows stacked shipping containers at Umm Qasr Port in Basra on March 12, 2026. Oil-rich Iraq has long been a proxy battleground between the United States and Iran, and saw itself dragged straight into the Middle East war after Israel and the US attacked Iran on February 28. (Photo by Hussein FALEH / AFP)
This aerial photo shows stacked shipping containers at Umm Qasr Port in Basra on March 12, 2026. Oil-rich Iraq has long been a proxy battleground between the United States and Iran, and saw itself dragged straight into the Middle East war after Israel and the US attacked Iran on February 28. (Photo by Hussein FALEH / AFP)

The Iraqi General Customs Authority announced the successful completion of the first cargo transport operation under the transit system between Jordan and the United Arab Emirates through Iraqi territory, in a move aimed at increasing non-oil revenues and positioning Iraq as a regional logistical hub.

Launch of Transit Cargo Operations Across Iraq

The Iraqi General Customs Authority stated that the first transit shipment between Jordan and the UAE was completed through Iraqi territory using the Trebil and Um Qasr border crossings.

According to the authority, this marks the beginning of a new phase of commercial activity and reflects progress in managing cargo movement through Iraq.

Shipment Route and Customs Procedure Development

In its statement on the implementation of the first transit operation, the authority described the process as a qualitative achievement in cargo transport and customs procedures.

The shipment entered Iraqi territory from the Port of Aqaba in Jordan through the Trebil customs border crossing. It then continued to the Port of Um Qasr before proceeding toward its final destination in the United Arab Emirates.

The authority stated that the transit process across Iraqi territory was completed successfully and represents an advancement in customs procedures for cargo handling and management.

Transit System Development and Cargo Tracking

Regarding the objectives behind developing the transit system, the General Customs Authority stated that the project aligns with directives issued by the Minister of Finance.

The initiative aims to transform Iraq into a regional logistical hub through simplified procedures, internationally standardized cargo tracking, and increased non-oil revenues.

The authority added that the shipment was monitored throughout its journey inside Iraqi territory using GPS technology and that the transit process was completed smoothly and in full accordance with international standards.

Expanding Trade Routes and Future Transport Growth

This transit operation comes as Iraq seeks to diversify and increase its non-oil income sources.

Previously, the Director General of the General Company for Land Transport stated that the increase in overland cargo movement and the implementation of the transit system, without intensive customs inspections, have strengthened international confidence in Iraq’s trade routes and increased commercial exchange.

Regarding future projections, the Director General stated that overland transport activity is expected to witness significant growth, particularly following the reopening of the Rabia border crossing between Iraq and Syria.

According to projections previously reported by Channel8, transit truck movement through border crossings is expected to exceed 2,000 trips this year, compared with 1,000 trips recorded in 2025.

Shanya Salar

2 hours ago