WASHINGTON — Federal officials announced Thursday they have imposed financial penalties on Iraq’s deputy oil minister and several militia commanders for allegedly assisting Iran’s military operations.
Treasury Department officials say Deputy Oil Minister Ali Maarij Al-Bahadly misused his government role to redirect oil resources, allowing profits to flow to Iran’s government and militia groups operating in Iraq.
The financial restrictions also target three high-ranking commanders from Iranian-backed militia organizations Kata’ib Sayyid Al-Shuhada and Asa’ib Ahl Al-Haq, according to the announcement.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent explained the department’s reasoning in his official statement: “Treasury will not stand idly by as Iran’s military exploits Iraqi oil to fund terrorism against the United States and our partners.”
The penalties block any American-held financial assets belonging to the sanctioned individuals and prohibit U.S. citizens and businesses from conducting transactions with them.
