US Poised to Announce Sweeping Sanctions Against Iraqi Officials and Companies
Official sources in Baghdad say the United States is on the verge of announcing one of its largest sanctions packages in recent years targeting Iraq. The new measures will reportedly include a number of political, economic, and military officials, as well as several companies operating in the energy and services sectors.
According to sources who spoke with the Arabic-language newspaper Al-Araby Al-Jadeed, recent visits by American delegations to Baghdad conveyed Washington’s intent to add the names of several Iraqi individuals and entities to its sanctions list. These individuals are accused of collaborating with groups and movements that receive foreign financial support.
An official from Iraq’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that the new list includes prominent military figures who also serve as members of parliament. He added that the sanctions will be officially announced by the US Department of the Treasury.
According to informed sources, the US government had previously issued informal warnings to Baghdad, indicating that it was seeking to redefine bilateral relations and alter its political approach toward Iraq. This move is seen as part of Washington’s ongoing policy of exerting pressure and maintaining control over Iraq’s political and economic structures, a strategy that has continued even after the withdrawal of US occupation forces.
Experts believe the upcoming sanctions package will be broader in scope and affect more individuals and entities than any previous American sanctions imposed on Iraq.
