US targets Iraq oil official and militias with sanctions for aiding Iran
OFAC said the sanctions freeze U.S.-linked assets and target oil-smuggling networks that helped move several million dollars in crude each day.
- On Thursday, the United States Treasury Department sanctioned Iraq's Deputy Minister of Oil, Ali Maarij al-Bahadly, and designated three leaders of Iran-backed armed groups for facilitating oil smuggling and terrorism.
- Treasury officials allege al-Bahadly used his positions in the Iraq Ministry of Oil to divert products benefiting Iran-affiliated smuggler Salim Ahmed Said, whom the United States sanctioned last year for selling Iranian oil falsely declared as Iraqi.
- Victoria Taylor, a former United States State Department official, said the move sends a "tough signal by the Trump administration" during Baghdad's cabinet deliberations, aimed at preventing al-Bahadly from becoming Minister of Oil.
- Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated the Iranian regime is "pillaging resources that rightfully belong to the Iraqi people," as the United States continues pushing to exclude Iran's closest allies from power in Iraq.
- United States forces imposed a naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz to halt Iranian oil exports, following joint US-Israel strikes in late February that left the region in ongoing conflict.
25 Articles
25 Articles
Iraq denies US claims deputy oil minister helped Iran evade sanctions
Iraq's oil ministry has denied US accusations against its deputy minister, who the United States hit with sanctions over alleged support to Iran as Washington escalates pressure on Baghdad to break with Iranian-linked groups. The US State Department on Thursday announced sanctions on Ali Maarij al-Bahadli, saying he "abused his government position to divert Iraqi oil in support of the Iranian regime and its terrorist proxies." It accused him of …
The Iraqi Ministry of Oil has rejected the accusations made by the U.S. against the deputy minister of the portfolio, Ali Maaraj al Bahadli, sanctioned on Thursday by Washington for allegedly helping Iran avoid the punitive measures imposed against the Asian country. The portfolio has indicated in a social media statement that it “rejects the accusations filed” against Al Bahadli and has stated that “total respect for the legal procedures of the…
Scott Bessent Says Iran Regime Is Like A 'Rogue Gang' Pillaging Iraq's Resources As Treasury Unveils New
The U.S. Treasury Department on Thursday announced a new round of sanctions targeting individuals and entities accused of exploiting Iraq's oil sector to benefit Iran and its proxy militias, escalating Washington's pressure campaign against Tehran. Bessent Says U.S. Will Not ‘Stand Idly By' Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on X, the Iranian regime was "pillaging resources that rightfully belong to the Iraqi people" and using Iraqi oil reven…
Times of India
The Economic TimesUS targets Iraq's deputy oil minister and militias with sanctions for aiding Iran
America has imposed sanctions on Iraq's deputy oil minister and certain militias. These actions are due to their alleged support for Iran. The deputy minister is accused of misusing his position to help Iran and its allied groups. This move comes as the U.S. and Iran are in discussions regarding a potential agreement.
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