WANA (Mar 10) – Following remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump on negotiations with Iran over its nuclear program and the continuation of Washington’s maximum pressure policy, his administration has barred Iraq from importing gas from Iran.

 

In response to U.S. efforts to halt Iranian energy imports, Iraqi officials stated that they have no viable alternative and could face severe electricity shortages, particularly during the peak summer months.

 

The U.S. State Department announced that it has not renewed the sanctions waiver that previously allowed Iraq to pay for electricity imports from Iran. This waiver, first implemented in 2018 during Trump’s first term, had been extended every 120 days. However, it expired on Saturday without renewal.

 

A State Department spokesperson, reaffirming the Trump administration’s maximum pressure strategy against Tehran, stated on Saturday that Washington would not allow Iran to gain any form of financial or economic relief.

 

Accusing Iran of destabilizing activities, the spokesperson claimed that the maximum pressure policy aims to “eliminate the Iranian nuclear threat, prevent the expansion of its ballistic missile program, and halt its support for terrorist groups in the region.”

 

The official also urged the Iraqi government to minimize its dependence on Iranian energy.

 

Additionally, Michael Waltz, the U.S. National Security Advisor emphasized that the decision to end Iraq’s sanctions waiver for Iranian electricity imports aligns with Trump’s maximum pressure policy. “The pressure will further intensify if Iran continues to advance its nuclear weapons capabilities and support terrorism in the region, including in Iraq,” the Advisor stated.