Iraq prepares for potential US sanctions over its ties to Iran-linked militias amid increasing pressure to disarm these factions. The US administration indicates the sanctions aim not only at disarmament but also at impeding the acquisition of advanced weapons. Iraqi officials express concern about the complications of enforcing compliance amid political dynamics and faction resistance. Ongoing discussions within Congress suggest further economic pressures targeting Iraq may be in the works.
Iraq is preparing for potential US sanctions due to the government’s hesitance to disarm Iran-affiliated militias and sever relations with Tehran. In Washington, increasing pressures are emerging for financial sanctions against Baghdad to facilitate disarmament of these armed factions, particularly those linked to attacks against Israeli and US interests, using Iran-supplied drones and missiles.
The US administration aims to push Iraq towards disengagement from Iran, emphasizing the disarmament of specific militias known for responding to Israeli military actions in Gaza. Key factions involved include Kata’ib Hezbollah, Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq, and several others that form the “Islamic Resistance in Iraq,” responsible for numerous assaults on US and Israeli targets post-October 7, 2023.
US intentions extend beyond just disarmament; Washington seeks to prevent Iraq from acquiring advanced weaponry, such as drones and missiles that exceed specified ranges. The Iraqi government is expected to struggle against non-compliance from these factions, many of which have strong ties to influential Shia political parties.
The Coordination Framework leader believes US actions aim to impose decisions that undermines Iraq’s sovereignty. He emphasizes the perspective of the resistance factions, who view US presence as occupation, often leading to military operations contrary to official political stances.
An anonymous Iraqi MP predicts impending economic sanctions rather than direct military intervention, noting pre-existing sanctions on Iraqi banks and companies linked to Iran. Future US penalties might target Iraqi oil purchases while pushing for reforms that would hinder Tehran’s influence.
The Iraqi government lacks the capacity to compel these factions into submission or integrate them within official state mechanisms without an Iranian response and mutual political agreements among Shia parties. US sanctions have already impacted a significant number of Iraqi banks and businesses, targeting entities associated with Iran and Hezbollah.
Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein has sought to persuade armed factions to either disarm or integrate with state security forces. Alaa Mustafa, an analyst, highlights the current political confusion amidst external threats, emphasizing increasing discussions in Congress about sanctions against Iraq and further economic pressures aimed at breaking ties with Iran. He warns that serious US actions regarding Iraq might be on the horizon.
The article highlights Iraq’s precarious position as it faces potential US sanctions should it fail to disarm Iran-aligned militias. Growing pressure from the US administration emphasizes the urgency for Iraq to distance itself from Tehran, particularly amid increased militia aggressions. The political dynamics complicate the situation, rendering it difficult for the Iraqi government to enforce disarmament without broader political concessions, including an Iranian response. Ongoing discussions in US Congress suggest that without compliance, sanctions targeting Iraq’s economic infrastructure, particularly its oil purchases, may be forthcoming. Overall, the future remains uncertain as Iraq navigates its complex ties with both the US and Iran.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
