Baghdad, Iraq – Four informed sources revealed on Thursday that the United States has escalated its pressure on the Iraqi political scene.
It is now threatening sanctions that could target the Iraqi state itself if Iranian-backed armed groups are included in the next government.
According to the sources, Washington told several senior Iraqi politicians that integrating
these groups into the new government would be met with broad punitive measures.
These measures could include the potential targeting of Iraqi oil revenues that pass through the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.
Such actions could exert significant economic pressure on Baghdad.
Curbing Iranian influence
The sources explained to Reuters that the US warnings came amid increasing efforts to curb Iranian influence within Iraqi state institutions.
This is especially true during the government formation negotiations.
In these talks, political forces backed by armed factions loyal to Tehran are attempting to play a pivotal role in the next executive branch.
Washington is concerned about the growing role of armed groups in the Iraqi political scene.
It believes that their official participation in government would undermine the country’s stability
and strengthen Iran’s influence in a region that the United States considers to be of great strategic importance.
This is true both in terms of security and the economy.
A state of political stagnation
In contrast, there has been no official comment from the Iraqi government or the relevant political parties regarding these threats.
However, Iraqi officials have indicated in off-the-record statements that Baghdad is trying to balance its relations with Washington and Tehran.
The city also aims to avoid being drawn into an open regional conflict.
These developments come at a time when Iraq is experiencing political stagnation.
The country is facing internal and external pressure to expedite the formation of a government capable of addressing economic and security challenges.
Furthermore, there are demands to control weapons outside state control.
Observers believe that the United States’ threat of sanctions targeting oil revenues represents a strongly worded message.
It also reflects Washington’s readiness to use effective financial and economic tools to pressure decision-makers in Baghdad.
This is an attempt to reshape the balance of power within Iraq in the coming period.
