International Report: The US is intensifying its pressure on Baghdad through banks.
A report by the German website BNI IntelliNews revealed on Thursday that the United States is exerting pressure on the Iraqi government and tightening supervision over Iraqi banks to force Iraq to sever its political and economic ties with Iran.
The report, which was translated by Al-Maalomah Agency, stated that “according to three Iraqi officials who declined to be identified, the United States is targeting the Iraqi banking sector through a monitoring mechanism aimed at preventing the use of financing channels. Some Iraqi financial institutions have been identified as being subject to US sanctions.
The report explained that “public and private banks are subject to tight supervision by the US Treasury Department, with all international transactions being transferred through intermediary banks in Jordan and the UAE.” A source in the Iraqi Foreign Ministry also confirmed that Washington is pushing for the prosecution of Iraqi faction leaders. A member of parliament added that dissolving or integrating the Popular Mobilization Forces into the official Iraqi security apparatus is one of the main demands of the United States.”
The report continued, “The number of Iraqi banks subject to sanctions has reached 28 banks, accused by the United States of trading with Iran. Pressure has also extended to the Iraqi energy sector. Washington recently blocked a plan to import Turkish gas via Iran, and last March, the Trump administration revoked the sanctions waiver that allowed Iraq to pay for Iranian electricity.”
At the beginning of September, the Iranian president emphasized Iraq’s strategic importance to Iran’s regional policy, describing bilateral relations as “exceptional and strategic.” Iraq attempted to pass a law establishing the Popular Mobilization Forces, but it was voted on by parliament as a result of objections from some political blocs and increasing external pressure, particularly from the United States.
Almaalomah.me