Washington uses Iraq's own oil money to bend Baghdad to its will

© Studio graphique, FMM
by Anaëlle JONAH
April 23, 2026
2 views
2 min read

Quick Insights

The Bottom Line

The Trump administration blocked a $500 million cash shipment to Iraq to pressure Baghdad.

How This Affects You

This action risks destabilizing Iraq's economy, which could impact global oil markets and international relations.

AI Summary

The Trump administration has blocked a shipment of nearly $500 million in cash to Iraq. This action is intended to pressure Baghdad into dismantling powerful Iranian-backed armed groups operating within the country. The blockage uses Iraq's own oil money as leverage, aiming to bend the Iraqi government to Washington's will. Analysts warn that this move risks destabilizing Iraq's already fragile economy. The White House seeks to curb Iranian influence in the region by targeting groups it deems a threat.

Following this story?

Get notified when new coverage appears

Should this be getting more attention?

You Might Have Missed

Related stories from different sources and perspectives

US halts shipment of Iraq’s oil dollars to curb Iran-linked groups: WSJ
National Security

US halts shipment of Iraq’s oil dollars to curb Iran-linked groups: WSJ

A plane carrying nearly $500m in US banknotes was blocked by the US Treasury, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Al JazeeraApr 22
Trump invokes Defense Production Act to boost oil, coal and energy infrastructure
Politics

Trump invokes Defense Production Act to boost oil, coal and energy infrastructure

President Trump on Monday invoked wartime authority under the Defense Production Act (DPA) to try to push for more oil, gas and coal. The DPA gives the president the authority to increase the production of certain items to advance national security. Trump this week issued five memos applying it to oil, coal, natural gas infrastructure and exports, electric grid equipment and “large-scale…

The HillApr 21
Trump’s latest border wall plans to slice through Big Bend national park: ‘Our lives are being upended’
Politics

Trump’s latest border wall plans to slice through Big Bend national park: ‘Our lives are being upended’

<p>The rural Texas region, long spared, is being fast-tracked for the border wall amid bipartisan opposition</p><p>Tractors suddenly appeared at the entrance to Chispa Road near the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/us-mexico-border">US-Mexico border</a> in rural Big Bend, Texas, in late March. Contractors informed Yolanda Alvarado, a cattle rancher, that they were starting work to upgrade the rough county dirt road there into a “highway” – the first step needed for semi trucks to haul the 30-foot steel pillars used to build Donald Trump’s <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/18/trump-border-wall-wildlife">border barrier</a>.</p><p>“That fence line, that’s where the wall is going to be,” said Alvarado, hopping out of the front seat of her flatbed truck at the gate to the family property located directly along the path of the proposed wall.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/apr/21/trump-border-wall-big-bend-texas">Continue reading...</a>

The Guardian US NewsApr 21
Trump administration to lobby allies to support 'trade over aid' push
Global

Trump administration to lobby allies to support 'trade over aid' push

The Trump administration is pushing countries worldwide to back a "trade over aid" declaration at the UN, part of a broader effort to overhaul how Washington spends billions of dollars in foreign assistance. Speaking with FRANCE 24's Yinka Oyetade, Eric Pelofsky, Vice President of Global Economic Recovery at The Rockefeller Foundation, explains that the new policy runs counter to US national interests, traditions and values.

AFP / France 24Apr 16
When oil prices spike, where does the money go?
Finance

When oil prices spike, where does the money go?

Who gets all that cash, and what do they do with it?

The ConversationApr 20
Syrian Billionaires Needed a Favor in Washington. They Invoked the Trump Name.
Politics

Syrian Billionaires Needed a Favor in Washington. They Invoked the Trump Name.

The attempt by the Khayyats to influence foreign policy while discussions are underway about potential Trump family deals is an increasingly common feature of the president’s second term.

New York TimesApr 19
Read Next
Congress Rejects Calls For Iran War Oversight as Key Deadline Nears
National Security

Congress Rejects Calls For Iran War Oversight as Key Deadline Nears

Congress has held no public hearings, done little oversight, and remains largely in the dark

Continue reading

Did this story change how you see things?

Stories like this only matter when people see them. Help us get verified journalism in front of more eyes.

Share this story

Get the daily digest

Save for later

The Verity Ledger curates verified investigative journalism from trusted sources only.

See our sources