US Official: Trump’s Pressure Campaign Included Iraq in Context of Iran
David Schenker stated that President Trump integrated Iraq into his pressure campaign against Iran. He discussed the benefits of US policy for the Kurdistan Region, emphasizing financial support for Peshmerga forces.
On Thursday, David Schenker, the former US Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, commented on President Donald Trump’s approach towards Iraq during his maximum pressure campaign against Iran at the 2025 Erbil Forum. Schenker indicated that Trump did not have a primary focus on Iraq itself but viewed it as a component of his broader strategy against Iran.
Schenker further noted that the United States has provided considerable support to the Kurdistan Region, benefiting from the ongoing presence of American troops stationed in Iraqi Kurdistan. He affirmed that the US would continue its annual funding of $20 million dedicated to the Peshmerga forces, emphasizing the importance of this financial support for regional security.
In summary, David Schenker elucidated the interconnectedness of US policies regarding Iraq and Iran under the Trump administration. He highlighted the continued military support for the Kurdish forces, suggesting that while Trump may not have prioritized Iraq, it was nonetheless implicated in his strategic dealings with Iran.
Original Source: shafaq.com
