The United States imposes sanctions on Ali Maarij al-Bahadli, Iraq’s deputy oil minister, accusing him of abusing his government position to divert Iraqi oil to benefit Iran and Iran-linked “proxy” forces. The US State Department says al-Bahadli facilitated oil diversion for the Iranian regime and terrorist proxies, and that the alleged conduct involves mixing Iraqi and Iranian oil in a scheme to help Iran evade restrictions on oil exports. The US Treasury also targets Iran-aligned militia figures, naming senior leaders from Kata’ib Sayyid Al-Shuhada and Asa’ib Ahl Al-Haq.\n\nIraq’s oil ministry rejects the accusations. Reporting from Middle East Eye says the ministry denies the claims and emphasizes transparency and addressing allegations based on evidence and facts. It also indicates it is prepared to investigate, while noting that crude oil export operations, marketing, loading onto tankers, and related procedures are not part of the deputy minister’s job responsibilities.\n\nAcross outlets, the central dispute centers on whether al-Bahadli and related networks diverted or mixed oil to support Iran and bypass sanctions, as Washington increases pressure on Baghdad to distance itself from Iran-linked groups.