BAGHDAD, November 9, 2026: The United States has urged Iraq to close most of its border crossings with Iran as part of Washington’s efforts to increase economic pressure on Tehran, Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein has said.
In an interview with Al Jazeera, Hussein revealed that the US Treasury Department had asked Baghdad to keep only two border crossings with Iran operational, including one located in Iraq’s semi-autonomous Kurdistan region.
The Iraqi foreign minister said the request was linked to Washington’s broader policy of tightening economic restrictions on Iran by limiting cross-border trade and movement.
Hussein explained that Iraq and Iran share several official and unofficial border crossings, making a comprehensive shutdown difficult to implement.
He warned that closing most of these routes could have significant economic consequences for Iraq, particularly because of the country’s commercial ties with neighbouring Iran.
According to Hussein, US officials continue to press Baghdad over the proposed restrictions, while Iraqi authorities remain engaged in discussions with Washington.
The demand places Iraq in a difficult position as it seeks to maintain economic relations with Iran while managing its diplomatic and financial ties with the United States.
Cross-border trade between Iraq and Iran supports commercial activity through multiple routes, and widespread closures could disrupt the movement of goods and affect businesses operating in both countries.
Hussein’s remarks highlight the challenges facing Baghdad as Washington seeks to intensify economic pressure on Tehran through restrictions affecting neighbouring countries.
The Iraqi government has not announced a decision to close the crossings, and discussions with US authorities remain ongoing, according to the foreign minister.