US sanctions Iraqi oil official and militia leaders over illicit oil activities
Updated
Updated · Bloomberg · May 7
US sanctions Iraqi oil official and militia leaders over illicit oil activities
9 articles · Updated · Bloomberg · May 7
The Treasury blacklisted Deputy Oil Minister Ali Maarij Al-Bahadly and three militia leaders, saying he diverted Iraqi oil products to Asa’ib Ahl Al-Haq and sanctioned smuggler Salim Ahmed Said.
Washington said the measures target exploitation of Iraq’s oil sector and support for Iranian-backed militant activity, intensifying pressure on Tehran and its regional proxies.
Earlier reports said Al-Bahadly helped move millions of dollars of oil daily, blending Iraqi and Iranian crude and falsifying documents, as the Trump administration pursues a deal to end the war.
How will targeting Iraq's oil ministry affect global energy prices amid the worst supply disruption in history?
With Iraq's economy already in crisis, can sanctioning one official break the powerful militias that have 'become the state'?