US sanctions Iraqi minister accused of aiding Iran oil sales
Summary
The US Treasury Department sanctioned Iraq’s Deputy Minister of Oil, Ali Maarij al-Bahadly, for allegedly helping Iran sell oil illegally. The sanctions also target three leaders of Iran-backed armed groups accused of attacking US personnel. These actions aim to reduce Iran’s influence in Iraq as Washington negotiates with Tehran.Key Facts
- Ali Maarij al-Bahadly, Iraq’s Deputy Oil Minister, is sanctioned for aiding Iran’s oil sales.
- The US Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) also sanctioned leaders of Iran-backed armed groups Kata’ib Sayyid al-Shuhada and Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq.
- These groups are held responsible by the US for attacks on US personnel and civilians.
- Al-Bahadly allegedly helped divert Iraqi oil to benefit an Iran-affiliated smuggler.
- The smuggler was previously sanctioned for selling Iranian oil disguised as Iraqi oil to evade sanctions.
- The sanctions aim to limit the power of Iran-backed groups in Iraq’s government.
- US has paused some military cooperation with Iraq to exclude Iran’s allies from power.
- The sanctions come during Iraq’s government formation talks involving Ali al-Zaidi as Prime Minister-designate.
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