Washington Wields the Maximum Pressure Card against Baghdad

---

A source confirmed that the Iraqi government has received indirect messages from the United States, conveyed by an intermediary, stressing the need to prevent the disbursement of financial entitlements to key leaders affiliated with armed factions within the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF).

The U.S. administration is increasing its pressure on the Iraqi government to halt support for militias, disarm them in preparation for their dismantling, and sever ties with Iran, while threatening Baghdad with sanctions. This policy aligns with President Donald Trump‘s “maximum pressure” strategy against Tehran due to its failure to adhere to nuclear commitments.

• The Fate of Syrian Officers in Iraq Depends on Agreements with Syria

• Most of Them from Turkey and Syria… The Federal Ministry of Justice Reveals the Number of “Daesh Children” in Iraq

According to the Kurdish Iraqi news outlet “Shafaq News,” a well-informed source stated that “the Iraqi government has received indirect messages emphasizing the prohibition of financial disbursements to prominent leaders with armed factions integrated into the Popular Mobilization Forces.”

American messages, delivered to Iraqi officials through intermediaries, also call for blocking financial transactions related to investment and cooperative projects controlled by these PMF leaders. These messages indicate that the U.S. Treasury Department may soon impose sanctions on these leaders, along with institutions and projects under their supervision.

• Iraqi Move to Release Frozen Iranian Funds in Baghdad

• After Being Designated as a Terrorist Organization, What is the Ansar Allah al-Awfiya Movement in Iraq?

The Popular Mobilization Forces were established in 2014 with the support of the Shiite religious authority to combat ISIS. They comprise 238,075 members and are led by Faleh al-Fayyadh, consisting mainly of militias loyal to Iran.

The United States has previously imposed sanctions on several PMF leaders for human rights violations and involvement in attacks on U.S. interests in Iraq and the region. Washington has also urged the Iraqi government to contain and disarm these militias.

• Crimes Against Humanity and Genocide: UN Commission Presents Evidence Indicting ISIS in Iraq

• Researcher Reveals the Connection Between Tehran and the Muslim Brotherhood

Amid Washington’s pressure and concerns over its financial repercussions on Iraq’s economy, a senior official at the Iraqi Central Bank, speaking anonymously to “Shafaq News,” clarified that the bank is neither responsible for nor involved in the payment of PMF salaries or allowances, stating that “any communications on this matter will not reach us directly.”

He emphasized that “the Central Bank is the financial institution of the Iraqi state, facilitating government transactions based on official and regulatory disclosures.”

• Attack Targets Base Housing Iraqi Army and Hashd

• UN Concerns Grow Over Escalating Fighting in El Fasher Between Army and Rapid Support Forces

Previous reports suggested that the U.S. intends to impose sanctions on Iraq, targeting companies and key figures associated with the Popular Mobilization Forces.

A source revealed that the sanctions would involve a list of “over ten names, including PMF leaders and other influential figures with partnerships in major political forces.”

The source warned that “relations with the U.S. could escalate, with the aim of controlling Iraq’s financial flows, weakening what Washington considers Iran’s proxies, and stopping Tehran’s access to foreign currency via intermediaries.”

• Iraq Supports Establishing Joint Operations Center with Turkey to Pursue PKK

• The U.S. Congress Discusses Scenarios for American Presence in Iraq

Additionally, “three financial companies and three transportation firms operating within Iraq’s oil fleet will be blacklisted to curb currency and oil smuggling to Iran.”

Republican lawmakers and Trump administration officials are pushing for sanctions to force Baghdad to disarm and dismantle militias and sever its ties with Iran.

• American strikes target Houthi command and control centers, missile systems 

• Embezzlement of funds allocated for ISIS victims reveals the extent of corruption in Iraq 

National Security Advisor Mike Waltz stated on X after meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani that “pressure on Iran will increase if it continues developing its nuclear weapons capabilities and supporting terrorism across the region, including in Iraq.”

He stressed the need to strengthen U.S.-Iraq relations based on shared security and economic interests and endorsed efforts to achieve Iraq’s energy independence.

• Withdrawal of Coalition Forces from Iraq: A Renewed Demand Driven by Iran 

• With new weapons… Hezbollah threatens to target U.S. bases in Iraq amid the escalating war between