Arabic version: الولايات المتحدة تفرض عقوبات على نائب وزير النفط العراقي بسبب تهريب النفط الإيراني

The US Treasury has sanctioned Iraq’s Deputy Oil Minister, Ali Maarij al-Bahadly, along with leaders of pro-Iran militias, accusing them of helping Iran to sell oil in violation of US sanctions. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated, “Like a rogue gang, the Iranian regime is pillaging resources that rightfully belong to the Iraqi people,” emphasizing that the US will not tolerate Iran’s exploitation of Iraqi oil to fund terrorism.

According to Al Jazeera, the sanctions were announced as tensions escalate over control of the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route for oil exports from the Gulf. Neither Iraq nor Iran has publicly responded to the sanctions.

Al-Bahadly is a significant figure in Iraqi oil governance, having held various roles within the oil ministry since 2024. Alongside him, Mustafa Hashim Lazim al-Behadili, described as a “leader and economic official” for the Iran-backed Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq movement, and two senior officials from the pro-Iran Kata’ib Sayyid al-Shuhada were also sanctioned. The Treasury alleges that al-Behadili managed oil smuggling financing and negotiated contracts with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

The US Treasury claims that al-Bahadly was instrumental in facilitating the diversion of Iraqi oil products to benefit an Iran-affiliated oil smuggler. Reports indicate that Iranian oil tankers have used forged Iraqi documents to circumvent US sanctions, with experts estimating that Iran generates at least $1bn a year through an oil smuggling network that blends Iranian fuel with Iraqi oil for export.

These sanctions come as Iraq navigates its complex relationship with Iran, balancing geographic and ideological ties while maintaining crucial military and economic support from the US. The US has previously warned Iraq against close ties with Iran, reflecting ongoing geopolitical dynamics in the region.