US Tries to Pressure Iran's Neighbors to Close Borders With It

In depth

Senior American officials have spent weeks trying to pressure the countries bordering Iran to close the land crossings with it, but have failed. The United States announced the establishment of a task force called "Iron Gate", which will focus on curbing smuggling and economic routes through neighboring countries, with the aim of increasing the economic squeeze on Tehran without renewing military strikes. Turkey, Iraq and Pakistan are refusing to take an active part in expanding the economic blockade, and fear economic and social damage within their countries, including "civil disobedience" within their borders.

The neighboring countries argue that the American pressure endangers their economies no less than Iran's. According to what has been reported, the aim of the pressure is to prevent the passage of weapons, but Iran's neighbors are voicing growing suspicion and frustration over the American moves.

President Trump stated that the United States does not need a deal with Tehran, and said: "We have their money and we have their strait."