Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein stated in an interview with Al Jazeera that the US Department of the Treasury has requested Baghdad to close all border crossings with Iran, with the exception of two routes.
According to the Iraqi foreign minister, Washington's demand is part of a broader strategy aimed at increasing economic pressure on Tehran. However, he emphasized that shutting these crossings would negatively affect Iraq's economy, making full implementation very difficult.
Hussein explained that one of the two exempt border routes is located in the Kurdistan Region. He added that discussions and official talks regarding this issue are currently ongoing between authorities from both countries.
These developments follow Iraq's move last month to close the key Sheeb border crossing with Iran to conduct security assessments, prevent smuggling, and install advanced screening equipment.
Iraqi officials have previously pointed out that extensive bilateral trade and energy ties with Tehran make an abrupt severance of trade economically problematic for the domestic market.
Source: Al Jazeera
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