US sanctions Iraqi deputy oil minister over alleged ties to Iran

US Sanctions Iraqi Deputy Oil Minister and Pro-Iran Militia Leaders

The US Treasury has imposed sanctions on Ali Maarij al-Bahadly, Iraq’s Deputy Oil Minister, and leaders of pro-Iran militias, accusing them of facilitating the sale of Iranian oil in violation of US sanctions. The sanctions also target Mustafa Hashim Lazim al-Behadili, Ahmed Khudair Maksus Maksus, and Mohammed Issa Kadhim al-Shuwaili.

According to the US Treasury, al-Bahadly has overseen Iraqi oil governance for years, including roles in the oil ministry. The sanctions allege that he facilitated the diversion of Iraqi oil products to benefit an Iran-affiliated oil smuggler and Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq movement. The US claims that corrupt practices within the Iraqi government allowed this operation to continue.

The sanctions come as the US and Iran engage in a dispute over control of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital conduit for oil exports from the Gulf region. Iraq has faced pressure from the US in recent months due to its close relationship with neighboring Iran.

The US Treasury Secretary stated that the sanctions will not be tolerated, citing concerns about Iranian exploitation of Iraqi resources and funding terrorism against the United States and its partners. The sanctions also target al-Behadili, who allegedly controlled oil smuggling financing and dealt directly with Iran and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ Quds Force.

Experts have noted that Iran is believed to generate significant revenue from an oil smuggling network that diverts Iranian fuel from Iraqi asphalt plants, blending it with Iraqi oil before exporting it as purely Iraqi. The US has imposed sanctions on Iran in the past, including oil sanctions, which prevented the country from freely selling its oil on global markets.

The sanctions are part of a broader campaign by the Trump administration to pressure Iran into compliance.

Source: Al Jazeera