Washington accuses officials of aiding Iranian oil trade
The United States Treasury Department imposed sanctions on Iraq’s Deputy Oil Minister Ali Maarij al-Bahadly and several leaders of pro-Iran militias, accusing them of helping Tehran bypass American oil sanctions. The measures come amid rising tensions between Washington and Iran over control of the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial global energy route.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent accused the Iranian government of exploiting Iraqi resources to finance militant activities. He stated that Washington would continue targeting networks allegedly involved in supporting Iran’s regional operations and sanctioned oil trade.
Meanwhile, neither Iraqi nor Iranian officials immediately responded to the accusations or the latest sanctions announcement.
According to the Treasury Department, al-Bahadly held several influential roles within Iraq’s oil sector over recent years, including head of parliament’s oil and gas committee, acting oil minister, and senior ministry official. Authorities claimed he played a central role in facilitating oil-related dealings connected to Iran.
Militia figures face accusations over smuggling and weapons
In addition, the US sanctioned Mustafa Hashim Lazim al-Behadili, identified as a senior economic figure within the Iran-backed Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq movement. Treasury officials alleged he supervised financing connected to oil smuggling operations involving Iran and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ Quds Force.
Furthermore, the sanctions targeted Ahmed Khudair Maksus Maksus and Mohammed Issa Kadhim al-Shuwaili, both described as senior members of the pro-Iran Kata’ib Sayyid al-Shuhada group. US authorities accused the two men of involvement in illegal weapons procurement activities.
At the same time, Washington increased pressure on Baghdad over concerns regarding Iraq’s ties with Tehran. Earlier this year, President Donald Trump warned Iraq could lose American support if pro-Iran politician Nouri al-Maliki returned to power as prime minister.
However, none of the sanctioned individuals publicly commented on the allegations by Thursday evening.
