Iraq moves to close border crossings with Iran amid reported US pressure
Iraq is tightening controls at its border with Iran, reportedly closing the Shib crossing and considering further closures amid talk of US-driven economic isolation.
Key Takeaways
AIIraqi authorities are moving to tighten controls at border crossings with Iran, with reports indicating the complete closure of the Shib crossing and the possibility of shutting more shared border points. The move comes amid speculation about efforts to increase economic isolation of Tehran.
Media outlets have reported the closure of the Shib crossing with Iran, while other reports suggest Baghdad plans to close additional border crossings, though the full scope of these measures remains unclear.
Iran’s Mehr News Agency stated that the new approach would leave only two crossings open for movement between Iraq and Iran.
Sources have indicated that the decision to close the crossings was made at the request of the United States, as part of a plan to tighten economic isolation of Iran and restrict cross-border trade.
It has not been possible to independently confirm all details of the announced measures or verify their connection to a US request, pending official clarification from Iraqi authorities regarding the scope and reasons for the closures.