Iraq Rejects US Demand to Close Border with Iran, Cites Economic Impact

According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein confirmed in an interview with Agence France-Presse that his country is unable to comply with the United States’ demand to close its border with Iran. He explained that the US pressure to seal border crossings and impose a blockade on Iran is a component of the wider sanctions policy against Tehran.

Hussein deemed the implementation of this request to be difficult and characterized it as a sanction against the Iraqi people. “As of this moment, we have not implemented it. However, we are in negotiations with the American side because it is not feasible,” he stated.

Responding to a question about Iran’s military presence in Iraq, Fuad Hussein told Agence France-Presse, “No, I do not think so. Militarily, they are not present in Iraq. By this, I mean if we are talking about military units, i.e., Iranian military units in Iraq, such a presence does not exist.”

The Iraqi Foreign Minister also commented on the regional situation, saying, “The situation cannot continue as neither war nor peace. Either the situation moves towards peace or towards war.” He highlighted the efforts of several countries and noted, “This war is no longer just a war between the United States and Israel on one side, and Iran on the other. In fact, this war concerns the entire region, and Iraq has also become involved. Therefore, it is our duty to mediate or strive to calm the situation.”