US halts shipment of Iraq’s oil dollars to curb Iran-linked groups: WSJ

U.S. Treasury blocks $500 million cash shipment to Iraq in effort to cut off funds to Iran-backed militias. | Contesto: cronaca

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• US halts shipment of Iraq’s oil dollars to curb Iran-linked groups: WSJ

Contesto

The United States has halted a shipment of nearly $500 million in U.S. banknotes destined for Iraq, a dramatic move aimed at curbing the flow of dollars to Iranian-linked groups, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal. The plane carrying the cash was blocked by the U.S. Treasury, marking an escalation in Washington’s efforts to enforce sanctions against Tehran and its proxies in the region. The decision, reported on Tuesday, underscores the Biden administration’s growing frustration with Iraq’s role as a conduit for dollar-denominated transactions that benefit Iranian-backed militias and political factions. Iraq relies heavily on U.S. currency for its economy, with regular shipments of banknotes used to meet demand for dollars in local markets. By blocking this delivery, the Treasury aims to tighten oversight and prevent the diversion of funds to entities linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and its allied groups. The move comes amid heightened tensions between the U.S. and Iran, as well as ongoing efforts to rein in the influence of Tehran-aligned militias in Iraq. These groups have been accused of smuggling dollars, evading sanctions, and using illicit financial networks to fund operations across the Middle East. The blocked shipment is believed to be part of a broader strategy by the Treasury to monitor and control the flow of physical currency into Iraq, where cash transactions remain prevalent. Iraqi officials have expressed concern that such restrictions could destabilize the country’s economy, which is already grappling with inflation, corruption, and a fragile banking system. The Central Bank of Iraq has previously warned that shortages of U.S. dollars could lead to a black market premium on the currency, undermining public confidence. However, U.S. officials argue that the measures are necessary to close loopholes exploited by Iran-linked actors. The Wall Street Journal report did not specify when the shipment was blocked or whether the funds were eventually released or confiscated. It also did not identify the airline or the exact route of the plane. The Treasury declined to comment on operational details, citing...

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Categoria: cronaca