The Wall Street Journal reports Iraq and Pakistan have cut or restricted key
land corridors into Iran, compounding US naval blockades and strict sanctions on
airlines that have already severed most maritime and air links. Iraq on
Wednesday closed the Sheeb border crossing, which connects the two countries’
largest oil-producing provinces; Baghdad said the move is aimed at strengthening
anti-smuggling enforcement. Over the weekend Pakistan intercepted trucks from
Iran at the Gabd and Taftan crossings—previously used as overland routes to
Iran’s largest eastern port—and on Friday Pakistan’s foreign ministry said the
actions were related to sanctions enforcement. These measures have further
intensified economic pressure on Iran.
