US sanctions Iraq's deputy oil minister, militias over Iran support

AI Summary

The US has imposed sanctions on Iraq's deputy oil minister and affiliated militias for their support of Iran. This action underscores ongoing tensions between the US and Iranian influences in the region and highlights the complexities of Middle Eastern geopolitics.

WASHINGTON, May 7 (Reuters) - The United States sanctioned on Thursday Iraq's deputy oil minister and militias over support for Iran, the Treasury Department said. The Treasury Department accused Iraq's minister Ali Maarij Al-Bahadly of abusing "his position to facilitate the diversion of oil to be sold for the benefit of the Iranian regime and its proxy militias in Iraq." The department is also sanctioning three senior leaders of Iran-aligned militias Kata’ib Sayyid Al-Shuhada and Asa’ib Ahl Al-Haq, it said.