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Trump Freezes Iraq Funds to Curb Iran-Backed Militias

Trump Freezes Iraq Funds to Curb Iran-Backed Militias

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The Spin


Freezing Iraq's oil revenue is the right call — Iran-backed militias have launched hundreds of attacks on U.S. embassies, troops and diplomatic facilities, and Baghdad has done nothing to stop them. Nearly 95 percent of Iraq's federal budget comes from oil revenue held in U.S. accounts, giving Washington real leverage to demand accountability. Until Iraq arrests militia members and forms a government free of Iranian influence, cutting off that cash is the most effective pressure available.

Freezing Iraq's funds risks pushing Baghdad further into chaos rather than solving the militia problem. Iran-aligned PMF factions are deeply embedded in the Iraqi state, draw government salaries and operate independently of Baghdad's orders — meaning financial pressure punishes the Iraqi government for actions it genuinely cannot control. Squeezing Iraq economically without accounting for these structural realities could hand Tehran exactly the opening it needs to reassert influence.


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© 2026 Improve the News Foundation. All rights reserved.Version 7.4.1

© 2026 Improve the News Foundation.

All rights reserved.

Version 7.4.1