How does the Shatt al-Arab reach the Persian Gulf?

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Map showing the Tigris and Euphrates river basin and its drainage network across Turkey, Syria, and Iraq, with color shading for elevation, major dams, canals, lakes, and boundaries with neighboring countries. The green areas indicate lower elevations along the river valleys, while higher elevations are shaded in brown and orange. A small locator map in the corner shows the basin's position within the Middle East. — Tigris-Euphrates river system The Tigris and Euphrates river basin and its drainage network.

The Shatt al-Arab is formed at the town of Al-Qurnah in southeastern Iraq by the confluence of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. From this point, the river flows southeastward for approximately 120 miles (193 km) before emptying into the Persian Gulf.123

During its course, the river passes the Iraqi port of Basra and the Iranian port of Abadan. For the latter half of its journey, it serves as the border between Iraq and Iran, receiving the Karun River as a major tributary before reaching the sea. The river's width expands significantly as it nears its mouth, where tidal action from the Persian Gulf plays a crucial role in the natural irrigation of the surrounding date palm groves.14