House Republicans urge sanctions on Iraq over Iran influence despite US aid

Two House Republicans, Reps. Joe Wilson and Greg Steube, have taken a bold stance by urging Secretary of State Marco Rubio to impose sanctions on Iraq for its perceived subservience to Iran. The lawmakers argue that Iraq’s close ties with Tehran undermine the U.S.’s “maximum pressure” policy towards Iran and dishonor the sacrifices made by over 4,400 American service members during the Iraq War.

In a scathing letter addressed to the Secretary of State and interim National Security Advisor, Wilson and Steube place blame on the Obama administration for enabling Iran’s influence in Iraq. They specifically call out former President Barack Obama and his Iraq envoy Brett McGurk for supporting Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, whose leadership paved the way for Iran-backed militias to gain power within Iraq.

The letter highlights the consequences of these actions, pointing out that Iran-backed forces now wield significant control over Iraq’s government and security services. The lawmakers also criticize the Obama administration for relying on Iranian-backed militias to combat ISIS, further entrenching Iran’s influence in the region.

The U.S. has provided substantial military financing to Iraq since 2015, totaling $1.25 billion for its forces and additional funding for the interior and defense ministries. Despite this support, Iraq’s alignment with Iran was made evident when it issued an arrest warrant for former President Donald Trump in 2021 for the killing of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani.

Wilson and Steube are calling for a halt to all foreign aid to Iraq until it breaks free from Iran’s grip. They specifically advocate for sanctions on Iraq’s importation of Iranian gas, a move that would further isolate Iraq from Iran’s influence. The Trump administration had already ended a waiver that allowed Iraq to purchase Iranian electricity earlier in the year.

The lawmakers also propose designating the Popular Mobilization Forces, an Iranian-backed paramilitary group operating in Iraq, as a foreign terrorist group. They recommend sanctioning Iraq’s state banks that support Iran financially and imposing sanctions on Iraqi political figures complicit in allowing Iranian influence to flourish.

The ultimate goal, according to Wilson and Steube, is to ensure that American resources are no longer used to bolster Iran’s control over Iraq. The U.S. initially invaded Iraq in 2003, leading a coalition to topple Saddam Hussein’s regime. After withdrawing troops in 2011, the U.S. returned in 2014 to combat ISIS.

Reports have surfaced indicating that the Biden administration is considering a plan to reduce the U.S. troop presence in Iraq within the year, although no final decision has been made. Other countries, including Germany, France, Spain, and Italy, also contribute troops to the coalition in Iraq.

Fox News Digital has reached out to the State Department and the Iraqi Embassy for their responses to this call for sanctions on Iraq. The letter from Wilson and Steube underscores the ongoing struggle to limit Iran’s influence in the region and protect American interests in the Middle East.