U.S. BLOCKS IRAQ’S DOLLAR SHIPMENTS TO SQUEEZE ITS IRAN-BACKED MILITIAS- WSJ

The U.S. has halted dollar shipments to Iraq in an effort to pressure Iran-backed militias operating within the country, according to a Wall Street Journal report. This move tightens financial pressure on Iraq’s central bank, restricting its access to dollar liquidity for imports and debt payments, thereby amplifying stress on Iran-linked financial channels and trade settlement mechanisms. The policy intensifies U.S. secondary sanctions pressure on Iran’s regional network, likely disrupting shipping and import flows through Iraqi ports like Basra, affecting vessels with exposure to sanctioned entities. Iranian rial-denominated trade and shadow fleet shipping activity may see increased risk premiums as compliance scrutiny rises. Traders will watch upcoming U.S. Treasury enforcement actions and Iraq’s central bank reserve levels for signs of further financial strain.

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