U.S. Sanctions Iraq Deputy Oil Minister Over Iran Support
The U.S. Treasury Department imposed sanctions on Thursday on Iraq’s deputy oil minister, Ali Maarij Al-Bahadly, and three senior leaders of Iran-aligned militias for alleged support to Iran.
Allegations include the deputy minister abusing his position to facilitate the diversion of oil for Iranian regime benefit and proxy militia operations in Iraq.
The U.S. is sanctioning these individuals amid reports that Iran and the U.S. are nearing a temporary agreement to halt hostilities, with Tehran reviewing a proposal to stop fighting but leave major issues unresolved.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated, “Treasury will not stand idly by as Iran’s military exploits Iraqi oil to fund terrorism against the United States and our partners.”
The sanctions freeze U.S. assets of those targeted and prohibit Americans from dealing with them.