Trump Administration Elevates Pressure on Iraq to Diminish Iranian Influence
The Trump administration is enforcing economic and diplomatic pressure on Iraq to limit its ties to Iran, including preventing dollar flows and addressing militia groups aligned with Iran. A National Security memorandum has outlined a strict approach to restrict Iraq’s financial assistance to Iran, as well as the reopening of Kurdish oil exports to alleviate global supply issues. Iraqi officials are being urged to integrate or disarm Iran-aligned militias to prevent U.S. sanctions.
The Trump administration is intensifying economic and diplomatic pressure on Iraq to diminish its financial ties to Iran and curtail Iranian influence in the country. Officials are urging Baghdad to prevent U.S. dollar flows to Iran and to address alleged Iraqi cooperation in the illicit trade of Iranian oil products. Additionally, the restart of oil exports from Kurdish-controlled northern Iraq has been prompted by the administration’s insistence on re-engaging this sector.
To support U.S. objectives, officials have threatened sanctions to compel the Iraqi government to manage pro-Iranian armed groups and restrict their access to advanced Iranian weaponry. On February 4, the second Trump administration made it unequivocally clear that it seeks to restrict Iraqi financial aid to Iran, a move documented in the National Security Presidential Memorandum/NSM-2, which emphasizes a strategy of maximum pressure on Iran.
The NSM-2 memorandum specifically cites Iraq as a targeted area in the broader context of limiting Iranian economic influence. It directs U.S. officials to halt any financial waivers that enable Iraq to make payments to Iran for essential resources like electricity and gas. Given Iraq’s significant dependency on Iranian energy, the U.S. aims to ensure no assistance is afforded to Tehran through Iraqi financial channels.
U.S. officials have also signaled intentions to impose accountability on Iraqi banks that fail to prevent dollar transfers to Iran. The Secretary of State is tasked with ensuring the Iraqi financial system does not facilitate sanctions violations. Amid these pressures, Iraq’s Central Bank has introduced further restrictions on banks involved in dollar transactions to combat money laundering and smuggling efforts that could benefit Iran.
Iraq has recently denied allegations regarding its involvement in supporting Iranian oil exports, reinforcing its commitment to transparency in its energy dealings. Iraq’s Oil Ministry issued statements asserting that all crude oil exports are conducted according to established international regulations, aiming to preempt sanctions from the Trump administration against its institutions.
In addition to addressing Iran’s financial implications, the Trump administration is pushing for the reopening of a suspended key oil export route from Kurdish-controlled northern Iraq. This resumption could alleviate the global market impact due to Iranian oil reductions. Though these steps may assist in stabilizing supply levels, they may not sufficiently offset the decline of Iranian oil exports.
Moreover, the Trump administration is advocating for stronger measures to incorporate Iran-aligned militia groups into Iraq’s formal national command structure or to disarm them completely. Iraqi officials are advised of pressures in Washington for potential economic penalties should they fail to address militia ties to the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Iraqi officials have articulated awareness of the urgency from U.S. officials regarding the disarming of militia factions particularly associated with recent conflicts. The potential consequences, including economic sanctions, loom over Baghdad as U.S. sources emphasize the need to restrict weapon supplies to these militias, including advanced drone technology and missiles that have been utilized against U.S. installations in the region.
In summary, the Trump administration is exerting significant pressure on Iraq to sever its economic ties with Iran and diminish Iranian influence within the country. This includes measures to restrict dollar transactions, disarm militia groups collaborating with Iran, and monitor financial activities rigorously. The administration aims to support Iraq’s oil exports while ensuring compliance with its stringent sanctions policy against Iran, reflecting a strategic focus on stabilizing regional dynamics and reducing Iranian revenues.
Original Source: thesoufancenter.org
