Iraq and Pakistan Close Land Borders to Isolate Iran

Iraq and Pakistan have closed critical land border crossings into Iran, expanding a U.S.-led isolation campaign designed to pressure the Iranian regime into nuclear program concessions. Iraq shut the Sheeb border point on Wednesday to enforce smuggling laws, while Pakistan blocked trucks at the Gabd and Taftan crossings over the weekend, citing security and sanctions enforcement.

Scott Bessent, the U.S. Treasury Secretary, stated he is coordinating with Pakistan and Turkey to sever Iran's remaining land routes. These closures complement a U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports and aviation sanctions that have already reduced Iranian oil exports to zero and crippled the national currency.

The economic impact on Iran has been severe, with food prices increasing by 128% and household purchasing power dropping by 90% over the last year. Trade bottlenecks have stranded thousands of trucks and metric tons of bottled gas at the borders.