The U.S. Treasury Department announced sanctions on Iraqi Deputy Oil Minister Ali Maarej al-Bahadli, accusing him of exploiting his position to facilitate the transfer and sale of oil on behalf of Iran and entities linked to it inside Iraq, as part of what it described as intensified economic pressure on Tehran.
The new sanctions package also included three leaders from Kataib Sayyid al-Shuhada and Asaib Ahl al-Haq, in addition to four Iraqi entities, over activities linked to the energy sector.
The department stressed that any individuals or vessels involved in illicit oil trade through clandestine channels would be subject to further U.S. measures and sanctions.
