U.S. Imposes Sanctions on Iraqi Deputy Oil Minister for Alleged Support to Iran
U.S. slaps sanctions on Iraqi deputy oil minister over Iran
The Hindu
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The United States has sanctioned Ali Maarij al-Bahadli, Iraq's deputy Oil Minister, for allegedly diverting Iraqi oil to support Iran. This move is part of a broader U.S. strategy to pressure Iraq's incoming government to sever ties with Iranian-backed armed groups amid escalating tensions in the region.
- 01U.S. sanctions target Iraqi deputy Oil Minister Ali Maarij al-Bahadli for supporting Iran.
- 02Al-Bahadli is accused of diverting Iraqi oil to benefit the Iranian regime.
- 03The U.S. seeks to pressure Iraq to cut ties with Iranian-backed armed groups.
- 04Since February, U.S. facilities in Iraq have faced over 600 attacks linked to armed groups.
- 05U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed support for Iraq's Prime Minister-designate Ali al-Zaidi.
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On May 7, 2026, the United States imposed sanctions on Ali Maarij al-Bahadli, the deputy Oil Minister of Iraq, due to allegations of his involvement in diverting Iraqi oil to support Iran. The U.S. State Department stated that al-Bahadli misused his position to mix Iranian oil with Iraqi oil, facilitating sales that benefited the Iranian regime. This action is part of the U.S.'s broader strategy to compel Iraq's new government to sever ties with Iranian-backed armed groups. The U.S. has been increasing pressure on Iraq, especially following a series of over 600 attacks on U.S. facilities in the country since February, attributed to these armed groups. U.S. President Donald Trump has shown support for Iraq's Prime Minister-designate, Ali al-Zaidi, who was chosen under significant U.S. influence, indicating a desire for cooperation moving forward.
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The sanctions may affect Iraq's oil revenue and its relations with Iran, potentially leading to economic and political repercussions for the new Iraqi government.
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