"Like a rogue gang, the Iranian regime is pillaging resources that rightfully belong to the Iraqi people, said US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. Treasury will not stand idly by as Iran's military exploits Iraqi oil to fund terrorism against the United States and our partners."
"Al-Bahadly is the most prominent figure to be sanctioned by the US on Thursday. He has overseen Iraqi oil governance for years, first as head of the Iraqi parliament's oil and gas committee. The US Treasury says he later held roles in the oil ministry, including head of the licensing and contracts office, acting minister and deputy leader of the ministry, which has been his current position since 2024."
"The US Treasury alleged that al-Behadili controlled oil smuggling financing and dealt directly with Iran and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' Quds Force, with whom he coordinated sanctions evasion activities."
The US Treasury imposed sanctions on Iraq's Deputy Oil Minister Ali Maarij al-Bahadly and several pro-Iran militia leaders, accusing them of helping Iran circumvent US sanctions and export oil through Iraq. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated the Iranian regime is pillaging resources belonging to the Iraqi people and funding terrorism. The sanctions target al-Bahadly, who has overseen Iraqi oil governance through various positions including parliament committee head and ministry roles, along with leaders from pro-Iran militias Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq and Kata'ib Sayyid al-Shuhada. The action reflects broader US-Iran tensions over the Strait of Hormuz and pressure on Iraq regarding its relationship with Iran, following Trump's earlier warning to withdraw support if pro-Iran figures gained power.
Read at www.aljazeera.com
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