US pressures Iraq to cut land routes to Iran Iraq closed the al-Shib crossing in Maysan province to travelers, vehicles and commercial trucks this week. The US reportedly demanded the closure, proposing that only two crossings remain open: one in northern and one in central Iraq. The Iraqi government denies that the move was dictated from abroad, and attributes it to technical deficiencies and security upgrades. But the timing indicates a calculated concession and not a purely administrative decision, reports the cradle. Al-Shib handled about 600 trucks a day, carrying vegetables, ceramics, white cement and reinforcing steel, and handled about 1.5 million passengers a year. Iranian exports to Iraq were estimated at nearly $12 billion last year, making Iraq one of Iran's most important export markets. Local markets have reportedly seen prices rise, and the provincial council has threatened civil disobedience and road closures unless The crossing will reopen. The pressure on Iraq is part of a wider pattern. The US has reportedly asked other countries bordering Iran to take similar measures, while trying to choke off the land routes that allow Iran to circumvent the maritime restrictions. Earlier this month, the Trump administration pushed to close Pakistan's border with Iran as well, threatening sanctions. However, a week later the border was reopened. Iraq, caught between its dependence on US financial channels and its deep economic ties with Iran, is forced to choose. For now, she appears to be offering Trump a concession at a manageable price, closing one trade route while leaving others untouched. substack | talk.

US pressures Iraq to cut land routes to Iran Iraq closed the al-Shib crossing in Maysan province to travelers, vehicles and commercial trucks this week. The US reportedly demanded the closure, proposing that only two crossings remain open: one in northern and one in central Iraq. The Iraqi government denies that the move was dictated from abroad, and attributes it to technical deficiencies and security upgrades. But the timing indicates a calculated concession and not a purely administrative decision, reports the cradle. Al-Shib handled about 600 trucks a day, carrying vegetables, ceramics, white cement and reinforcing steel, and handled about 1.5 million passengers a year. Iranian exports to Iraq were estimated at nearly $12 billion last year, making Iraq one of Iran's most important export markets. Local markets have reportedly seen prices rise, and the provincial council has threatened civil disobedience and road closures unless The crossing will reopen. The pressure on Iraq is part of a wider pattern. The US has reportedly asked other countries bordering Iran to take similar measures, while trying to choke off the land routes that allow Iran to circumvent the maritime restrictions. Earlier this month, the Trump administration pushed to close Pakistan's border with Iran as well, threatening sanctions. However, a week later the border was reopened. Iraq, caught between its dependence on US financial channels and its deep economic ties with Iran, is forced to choose. For now, she appears to be offering Trump a concession at a manageable price, closing one trade route while leaving others untouched. substack | talk.