---
title: "US asks Iraq to close Iran border crossings, minister says"
publication: "MediaBias News"
url: "https://mediabias.news/politics/us-asks-iraq-to-close-iran-border-crossings-minister-says"
api: "https://mediabias.news/api/v1/stories/us-asks-iraq-to-close-iran-border-crossings-minister-says"
markdown: "https://mediabias.news/politics/us-asks-iraq-to-close-iran-border-crossings-minister-says.md"
audio: "https://mediabias.news/api/audio/us-asks-iraq-to-close-iran-border-crossings-minister-says"
category: "Politics"
area: "Middle East"
published: "2026-11-08T20:45:44.285Z"
source_reported: "2026-11-08T20:20:00.000Z"
updated: "2026-11-08T20:45:44.285Z"
trust_score: 42
critic_score: 59
hype_score: 41
assessment_type: "coverage-and-source-reporting-analysis"
fact_check_status: "not-performed"
coverage_measured: "2026-11-08T20:45:06.613750+00:00"
---

# US asks Iraq to close Iran border crossings, minister says

*Washington seeks to increase economic pressure on Tehran, with only two crossings to remain open.*

**Scores for the source reporting** (0-100, assessing the original journalism this article was written from, not this write-up): 

- Trust 42 of 100, higher is better. Central claim attributed to Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, with multiple outlets corroborating.
- Craft 59 of 100, higher is better. Most outlets provided digests, with only two full reports. Some reports lacked detail on the 'why'.
- Hype 41 of 100, lower is better. Headlines suggest imminent conflict or US demands, but the body focuses on a request for border closures.

Scored by MediaBias News; method at https://mediabias.news/methodology.

**The short version**

- The US Treasury has asked Iraq to close all but two of its border crossings with Iran.
- Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein confirmed the request, stating it is part of Washington's policy to increase economic pressure on Tehran.
- One of the two remaining open crossings is designated for Kurdistan.
- Protests have occurred in Iraq's Maysan province against previous border crossing closures.

The United States Treasury Department has requested that Iraq close all but two of its border crossings with Iran. Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein stated this request in an interview with Al Jazeera, describing it as part of Washington's policy to increase economic pressure on Tehran. One of the two crossings permitted to remain open is reportedly a checkpoint leading towards Kurdistan.

The Iraqi government previously closed the Al-Sibe border crossing on October 21. Following this closure, protests against border restrictions have taken place in Iraq's Maysan province. The Iraqi Foreign Minister also warned that the current situation suggests a possibility of renewed military conflict.

## Disagreement on border closure specifics

While most reports agree on the US request for Iraq to close most border crossings with Iran, leaving only two open, some details vary. Yonhap News Agency reported that one of the exceptions is a checkpoint heading towards Kurdistan. Reuters, Al-Monitor, and The Straits Times, among others, also stated that one of the exceptions is in the Kurdistan region. However, Business Daily noted that the request includes the Kurdistan region, according to the Iraqi Foreign Ministry, without specifying it as one of the two exceptions. SpaceMoney and Terra reported that exceptions would be negotiated to contain smuggling.

## What the coverage left out

None of the left-rated reports mentioned protests in Iraq's Maysan province against border crossing closures. None of the centre-rated reports mentioned protests in Iraq's Maysan province against border crossing closures. None of the right-rated reports mentioned the Iraqi government's previous closure of the Al-Sibe border crossing on October 21.

## Who covered it

Shares of the 10 covering outlets with a published leaning rating:

- Left: 10% (1)
- Centre: 40% (4)
- Right: 50% (5)

24 of 34 covering outlets carried no usable leaning rating and were excluded from those percentages. Coverage measured 2026-11-08T20:45:06.613750+00:00.

**Coverage watch:** developing. Checked 2 times; 0 checks found a material change. Most recently checked 2026-11-08T21:15:06.966Z.

## How the sides framed it

### Left

- Al-Monitor, the sole left-rated report, focused on the US Treasury's request for Iraq to close all but two border crossings with Iran, framing it as part of Washington's policy to increase economic pressure on Tehran. The report attributed this information to Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein in an interview with Al Jazeera.

### Centre

- Centre-rated reports from Reuters, Jerusalem Post, and Portfolio highlighted the US request for Iraq to close most border crossings with Iran. Reuters and Portfolio stated the US Treasury asked Iraq to close all but two crossings as part of Washington's economic pressure policy, citing Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein. The Jerusalem Post expanded on the US strategy, detailing the establishment of a task force by US Central Command (CENTCOM) to prevent Iran from using land routes and the Caspian Sea to transport advanced weapons and sanctioned materials. It also discussed the challenges of monitoring land borders compared to naval blockades and noted the potential for limited time to execute new operations following midterm elections.

### Right

- Right-rated reports from Yonhap News Agency, The Straits Times, regionalmedianews.com, romaniatv.net, and news-pravda.com focused on the US demand for Iraq to close its border crossings with Iran. Yonhap News Agency, in its full report, detailed the request from the US Treasury to close all but two crossings, with one exception being a checkpoint towards Kurdistan. It also mentioned protests in Maysan province and a warning from the Iraqi Foreign Minister about potential renewed military conflict. Regionalmedianews.com and The Straits Times, using digests, also reported the US Treasury's request and the interview with Fuad Hussein. Romaniatv.net and news-pravda.com added context about potential US military action and Iraq's rejection of Iranian interference, respectively.

**Provisional coverage gap:** left. The watch is not closed, so this is not yet a settled blindspot finding.

## Factuality profile of the covering outlets

These are published factuality ratings of the outlets, not a verdict on whether this story or its claims are true.

- veryLow: 1
- mixed: 1
- high: 6
- unknown: 24
- veryHigh: 2

## Verification scope

This page compares coverage and scores the source reporting. It is not a ClaimReview verdict on whether the underlying event or claim is true.

## Original reporting this was written from

- [Reuters](https://reuters.com/world/middle-east/us-asks-iraq-shut-most-iran-border-crossings-iraqi-foreign-minister-says-2026-11-08) — US asks Iraq to shut most Iran border crossings, Iraqi foreign minister says
- [SpaceMoney](https://spacemoney.com.br/economia/exterior/eua-iraque-fronteiras-ira) — U.S. Pressure Iraq to Close Almost Every Border with Iran
- [Naftemporiki](https://naftemporiki.gr/kosmos/2186181/oi-ipa-zitoyn-apo-to-irak-na-kleisei-schedon-ola-ta-synoriaka-perasmata-me-to-iran) — US Asks Iraq to Close Almost All Border Crossings with Iran
- [Capital.gr](https://capital.gr/diethni/4028584/to-up-oikonomikon-ton-ipa-zitise-apo-to-irak-na-kleisei-ola-ta-sunoriaka-perasmata-me-to-iran) — The US Treasury Department Has Asked Iraq to Close All Border Crossings with Iran.
- [Anatropi News](https://anatropinews.gr/2026/11/diethnes-deltio-iran-trab-kai-oukrania-oi-krisimes-diplomatikes-kiniseis-tis-evdomadas) — Iran: US Pressure and Trump's Message
- [infomoney.com.br](https://infomoney.com.br/mercados/eua-pedem-ao-iraque-que-feche-maioria-de-postos-de-fronteira-com-o-ira-diz-ministro) — U.S. Asks Iraq to Close Most Border Posts with Iran, Says Minister
- [sigmalive.com](https://sigmalive.com/news/international/1336712/hpa-zitoun-apo-to-irak-na-klisei-ta-perissotera-sinoriaka-perasmata-me-iran) — US: Asks Iraq to Close Most Border Crossings with Iran
- [Business Daily](https://businessdaily.gr/diethni/242537_oi-ipa-zitoyn-apo-irak-na-periorisei-ta-synoriaka-perasmata-me-iran) — US Asks Iraq to Close Crossings with Iran
- [Egyptian Gazette](https://egyptian-gazette.com/world/us-asks-iraq-to-shut-most-iran-border-crossings) — US asks Iraq to shut most Iran border crossings
- [sofokleousin.gr](https://sofokleousin.gr/epikairotita/diethni/amerikanikes-pieseis-sto-irak-gia-sfragisi-ton-synoron-me-to-iran) — US Pressures Iraq to Seal Border with Iran
- [regionalmedianews.com](https://regionalmedianews.com/world/us-asks-iraq-to-shut-most-iran-border-crossings-iraqi-foreign-minister-says) — US asks Iraq to shut most Iran border crossings, Iraqi foreign minister says - Regional Media News
- [KAYHAN LIFE](https://kayhanlife.com/news/middle-east/us-asks-iraq-to-shut-most-iran-border-crossings) — US Asks Iraq to Shut Most Iran Border Crossings
- [Portfolio](https://portfolio.hu/global/20261108/megjott-az-ukasz-washingtonbol-azonnali-hatallyal-le-kell-zarni-a-hatarokat-irakban-875006) — The Order From Washington Has Arrived: Borders in Iraq Must Be Closed with Immediate Effect
- [연합뉴스-Yonhap News Agency](https://yna.co.kr/view/AKR20261109003000079) — Iraq Foreign Minister: "U.S. Demands Complete Closure of Iranian Border Checkpoints Except Two"
- [The Straits Times](https://straitstimes.com/world/middle-east/us-asks-iraq-to-shut-most-iran-border-crossings-iraqi-foreign-minister-says) — US asks Iraq to shut most Iran border crossings, Iraqi foreign minister says
- [Unknown](https://alquds.co.uk/%D8%B1%D9%81%D8%B6-%D8%B4%D9%8A%D8%B9%D9%8A-%D9%84%D8%A5%D8%BA%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%82-%D9%85%D9%86%D8%A7%D9%81%D8%B0-%D8%AD%D8%AF%D9%88%D8%AF%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D9%85%D8%B9-%D8%A5%D9%8A%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%86) — Shi ' I ' S Refusal to Close Border Crossings with Iran: American Dictates
- [Terra](https://terra.com.br/noticias/mundo/eua-pedem-ao-iraque-que-feche-maioria-de-postos-de-fronteira-com-o-ira-diz-ministro-iraquiano,472f1fc2984d94d01a0c7ff92ddf61e0gsm5d3d0.html) — U.S. Asks Iraq to Close Most Border Posts with Iran, Says Iraqi Minister
- [Al-Monitor](https://al-monitor.com/originals/2026/11/us-asks-iraq-shut-most-iran-border-crossings-iraqi-foreign-minister-says) — US asks Iraq to shut most Iran border crossings, Iraqi foreign minister says
- [Jerusalem Post](https://jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-914225) — The US wants to cut off Iran’s access to weapons via its land borders, will this work?
- [hathalyoum.net](https://hathalyoum.net/articles/4258942) — The Bader Bloc Rejects American Dictates About Exits with Iran and Calls on the Iraqi Government to Open Them Immediately.
- [romaniatv.net](https://romaniatv.net/sua-ar-pregati-un-atac-militar-de-amploare-asupra-iranului-avertisment-pentru-irak_9905167.html) — The U.S. Would Prepare a Large-Scale Military Attack on Iran.
- [Unknown](https://almasalah.com/archives/144273) — Foreign Minister: Washington Has Officially Requested that All but Two of Our Outlets with Iran Be Closed.
- [tgrthaber.com](https://tgrthaber.com/dunya/abd-iraktan-acik-acik-talep-etti-iran-sinir-kapilarini-kapatin-3370141) — The US Has Explicitly Demanded that Iraq Close Its Border Crossings with Iran.
- [Mediafax](https://mediafax.ro/externe/sua-avertizeaza-irakul-cu-un-posibil-atac-de-amploare-asupra-iranului-washingtonul-cere-inchiderea-frontierelor-23839492) — The U.S. Warns Iraq of a Possible Large-Scale Attack on Iran. Washington Calls for Border Closure
- [O Cafezinho](https://ocafezinho.com/2026-11-07/chanceler-do-iraque-recusa-exigencia-dos-eua-sobre-fronteira-com-ira) — Chancellor of Iraq Refuses US Demand on Iran's Border
- [Haberler](https://haberler.com/haberler/abd-iraktan-iran-ile-sinir-kapilarinin-buyuk-20406004-haberi) — The US Has Asked Iraq to Close Most of Its Border Crossings with Iran.
- [Unknown](https://janoubia.com/2026/11/07/%d9%88%d8%a7%d8%b4%d9%86%d8%b7%d9%86-%d8%aa%d8%b7%d9%84%d8%a8-%d9%85%d9%86-%d8%a8%d8%ba%d8%af%d8%a7%d8%af-%d8%a5%d8%ba%d9%84%d8%a7%d9%82-%d9%85%d9%86%d8%a7%d9%81%d8%b0%d9%87%d8%a7-%d9%85%d8%b9-%d8%a5) — Washington Is Asking Baghdad to Close Its Windows with Iran, Except for Two.
- [Unknown](https://shafaq.com/en/Iraq/Iraqi-FM-US-requested-Iran-border-crossing-closures) — Shafaq News..Iraqi FM: US requested Iran border crossing closures
- [turkiyegazetesi.com.tr](https://turkiyegazetesi.com.tr/dunya/abdden-iraka-iran-talimati-savas-yeniden-mi-basliyor-1827825) — US Gives Instructions to Iraq Regarding Iran! Is the War Starting Again?
- [Unknown](https://arabic.pressbee.net/show11103544.html?title=%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%82-%D9%8A%D8%AD%D8%B0-%D8%B1-%D9%85%D9%86-%D8%AD%D8%B1%D8%A8-%D8%AC%D8%AF%D9%8A%D8%AF%D8%A9-%D9%88%D8%B7%D9%84%D8%A8-%D8%A3%D9%85%D9%8A%D8%B1%D9%83%D9%8A-%D8%A8%D8%B4%D8%A3%D9%86-%D8%A5%D9%8A%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%86) — Iraq Warns of a New war... and an American Request for Iran.
- [elipshaber.com](https://elipshaber.com/abdden-iraka-iran-talimati) — US Gives Instructions to Iraq Regarding Iran!
- [Akşam](https://aksam.com.tr/dunya/irak-resmen-duyurdu-washingtondan-bagdata-iran-talebi/haber-1712682) — Iraq Officially Announced: Washington Made a Request to Baghdad Regarding Iran.
- [sondakika.com](https://sondakika.com/guncel/haber-irak-disisleri-bakani-abd-nin-iran-sinirinda-iki-k-20405455) — Iraq's Foreign Minister Relayed the US Request to Keep Two Border Crossings with Iran Open
- [news-pravda.com](https://news-pravda.com/world/2026/11/07/2725657.html) — Iraqi Foreign Minister:. Washington asked us to close our border crossings with Iran, and we informed Iran that we reject its interference in our affairs

## Questions

**What has the US asked Iraq to do regarding its borders with Iran?**

The US Treasury has requested that Iraq close all but two of its border crossings with Iran. This is part of Washington's policy to increase economic pressure on Tehran. One of the two remaining open crossings is reportedly designated for Kurdistan.

**Why is the US asking Iraq to close its borders with Iran?**

The request is part of Washington's policy to increase economic pressure on Tehran. The US aims to restrict Iran's access to weapons and financial networks by limiting its land routes.

**Have there been any reactions to border closures in Iraq?**

Yes, protests against border crossing closures have occurred in Iraq's Maysan province. The Iraqi government had previously closed the Al-Sibe border crossing on October 21, which preceded these protests.

---

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