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    US asks Iraq to shut most Iran border crossings, Iraqi foreign minister says

    Synopsis

    The US Treasury has requested Iraq to close most border crossings with Iran for increased economic pressure. Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein mentioned the challenges of implementing these closures due to economic concerns. Currently, Iraq is negotiating with the US regarding the border situation. Recently, Iraq closed the Sheeb border crossing for security and anti-smuggling measures. The discussions reflect ongoing tensions between the US and Iran affecting Iraq's border policies.

    Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein speaks during a press conference with Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi (not pictured), in Baghdad, IraqReuters
    Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein
    The US Treasury has asked Iraq to close all border crossings with Iran except for two as part of Washington's policy of increasing economic pressure on Tehran, Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein said in an interview with Al Jazeera.

    One of the exceptions is in the Kurdistan region.

    "There are many official and unofficial border crossings with Iran, and closing all of them would be difficult and would affect our economy. The Americans are still demanding the closure of the crossings, and we are currently in discussions with them," Hussein said.


    Last month, Iraq closed the busy Sheeb border crossing with Iran to review security and install detection ‌equipment to stop smuggling.

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