“On Thursday, the United States enacted sanctions against Iraq’s deputy oil minister due to his support for Iran.”
State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott stated, “Deputy Oil Minister Ali Maarej al-Bahadli misused his governmental role to redirect Iraqi oil in favor of the Iranian regime and its terrorist affiliates.”
The spokesman further explained, “In an effort to evade sanctions, Iranian oil was illicitly blended with Iraqi oil and sold to Iran.”
The United States has implemented unilateral sanctions on Iranian oil, warning that any nation or corporation that purchases it will face repercussions.
In recent months, the United States has intensified pressure on the Iraqi government to cease its collaboration with Shiite militias in Iraq that are associated with Iran.
According to a spokesperson from the US State Department, following the attacks by the US and Israel on Iran, Iraqi armed factions have launched over 600 assaults on US facilities in Iraq prior to the declaration of a ceasefire.
The US is demanding “concrete actions” from the Iraqi government to disarm these armed groups before re-engaging with them fully, as stated by the official.
