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US Sanctions Iraq Oil Minister, Militia Leaders Over Iran Ties

5/8/2026

Summary

US sanctions Bahadly

The United States sanctioned oil minister Ali Maarij al-Bahadly and three militia leaders, freezing their U.S. assets.
The Treasury said al-Bahadly abused his role to divert Iraqi oil to Iran and proxies.
The sanctions also hit Kata’ib Sayyid al-Shuhada and Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq, linking al-Bahadly to smuggler Salim Ahmed Said.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned the United States will not stand idly by as Iran exploits Iraqi oil for terrorism.

Summary

US Sanctions Iran

OFAC designated three Iranian exchanges and front firms to block yuan-based oil revenue conversion.
The State Department sanctioned a China-based petroleum terminal and a “teapot” refinery importing Iranian crude.
Beijing ordered Hengli Petrochemical to defy the sanctions under a 2021 sovereignty mechanism.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned secondary sanctions will hit any facilitator of Iranian oil.
Analysts say the measures could raise May 2026 WTI prices and keep Bitcoin stable.

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US sanctions Bahadly

The United States sanctioned oil minister Ali Maarij al-Bahadly and three militia leaders, freezing their U.S. assets.
The Treasury said al-Bahadly abused his role to divert Iraqi oil to Iran and proxies.
The sanctions also hit Kata’ib Sayyid al-Shuhada and Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq, linking al-Bahadly to smuggler Salim Ahmed Said.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned the United States will not stand idly by as Iran exploits Iraqi oil for terrorism.

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