United States sanctions Iraqi oil official and militias over alleged Iran ties

Thursday 07 May 2026 - 16:15

The United States has imposed new sanctions targeting senior Iraqi officials and militia leaders over alleged support for Iran, in a move highlighting ongoing tensions in the Middle East energy and security landscape.

The U.S. Department of the Treasury announced measures against Iraq’s deputy oil minister and several individuals linked to Iran-aligned armed groups, accusing them of facilitating activities that benefit Iranian interests and affiliated militias operating in Iraq.

According to Washington, the sanctioned Iraqi official is accused of misusing his position to enable the diversion of oil resources, which were allegedly sold in ways that supported Iranian-linked networks. U.S. authorities argue that such practices undermine regional stability and contribute to the financing of armed groups.

The sanctions also target senior figures from militias associated with Kata’ib Sayyid al-Shuhada and Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq, organizations considered aligned with Iranian strategic interests in the region.

U.S. officials stated that the measures are part of broader efforts to restrict financial flows that could support militant activity. The Treasury Department emphasized that individuals and entities under sanctions will have any U.S.-based assets frozen, and American citizens and companies are generally prohibited from conducting transactions with them.

A senior U.S. official underlined that Washington will continue to act against what it describes as the misuse of Iraq’s energy resources for activities linked to regional conflicts and security threats.

The decision reflects continued American pressure on networks believed to be involved in the intersection of energy exports, political influence, and armed group financing across Iraq and neighboring countries.