PNN – Stating that Iraq cannot close its borders with Iran, Fuad Hussein remarked that acceding to this U.S. demand would amount to a sanction against the Iraqi people; consequently, Baghdad has not implemented it.
According to the report of Pakistan News Network; Iraq’s Foreign Minister told Agence France-Presse (AFP): We cannot close our borders with Iran. U.S. pressure to shut border crossings and impose a blockade on Iran is part of a broader policy regarding sanctions. Implementing this demand is difficult, and it would effectively constitute a sanction against the Iraqi people. To date, we have not carried it out. However, we are currently in discussions with the American side, as the request is not feasible.
Continuing his interview with Agence France-Presse (AFP), and in response to a question about whether Iran has a military presence in Iraq, Fuad Hussein said: No, I don’t think that is the case. In military terms, they do not have a presence in Iraq. I mean, if we are talking about military units—that is, Iranian military units—in Iraq, no such presence exists.
The Iraqi Foreign Minister further stated that the “no-war, no-peace” situation cannot continue; the circumstances must move either toward peace or toward war. Many countries are making efforts, as this conflict is no longer merely between the United States and Israel on one side and Iran on the other. In reality, this conflict concerns the entire region, and Iraq has also become involved. Therefore, it is our duty to mediate or strive to de-escalate the situation.