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World
The United States has imposed sanctions on Iraq's Deputy Oil Minister Ali Maarej al-Bahadli, accusing him of facilitating oil smuggling to Iran.
The United States Treasury Department announced a new round of Iran-related sanctions on Thursday, targeting Iraq's Deputy Oil Minister Ali Maarej al-Bahadli. The measures, published on the Treasury's website and reported by Reuters, are part of Washington's "maximum pressure" campaign.
According to the Treasury Department, the sanctions aim to disrupt networks involved in oil smuggling and the financing of armed groups loyal to Tehran. The list includes the Iraqi groups Asaib Ahl al-Haq and Kata'ib Sayyid al-Shuhada, as well as Iraqi oil companies linked to individuals associated with Iran's allies.
Washington accuses al-Bahadli of using his official position to facilitate the diversion of Iraqi oil to Iran and its allies through smuggling operations and the forgery of oil origin documents.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that "the Iranian regime is plundering the resources of the Iraqi people to finance terrorism." He emphasized that Washington will not allow Iraqi oil to be used to support attacks against the United States and its partners.
