Trump Administration Ends Iraq’s Waiver to Purchase Iranian Electricity in ‘Maximum Pressure’ Campaign

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Correspondent

(Worthy News)— The Trump administration ended a waiver previously issued by the Biden Administration that allowed the Iraqi government to buy Iranian electricity. This move is part of the “maximum pressure” strategy aimed at curbing Iran’s funding of terrorist groups that destabilize the Middle East, compelling Iran to negotiate an end to its nuclear program or face military action.

The State Department spokesman stated that letting Iraq’s waiver to expire “ensures we do not allow Iran any degree of economic or financial relief,” emphasizing that Trump’s campaign against Iran aims “to end its nuclear threat, curtail its ballistic missile program, and stop it from supporting terrorist groups.

National Security Advisor Mike Waltz informed Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani that terminating the waiver aligns with President Donald Trump’s “maximum pressure” campaign against Iran, as the administration commits fully to preventing the regime from obtaining a nuclear weapon.

Farhad Alaaeldin, Iraqi Prime Minister al-Sudani’s foreign affairs adviser, told the Reuters News Agency that terminating the waiver “presents temporary operational challenges” for Iraq.

“The government is actively working on alternatives to sustain electricity supply and mitigate any potential disruptions,” Alaaeldin explained. He emphasized, “strengthening energy security remains a national priority, and efforts to enhance domestic production, improve grid efficiency, and invest in new technologies will continue at full pace.”

In March 2024, the Biden administration, led by Secretary of State Antony Blinken, allowed a sanctions waiver allowing Iraq to pay Iran around $10 billion for electricity, despite the United States having designated Iran as a state sponsor of terrorism since 1984.

Recently, Trump disclosed that he had sent a letter to Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, urging Tehran to enter into a nuclear agreement or risk facing military consequences.

“I’ve written them a letter, saying I hope you’re going to negotiate because if we have to go in militarily, it’s going to be a terrible thing for them,” Trump explained to FOX Business on Friday. He clarified, “There are two ways Iran can be handled – militarily, or you make a deal. I would prefer to make a deal, because I am not looking to hurt Iran.”

On Friday, in the Oval Office, while responding to reporters, Trump stated, “We’re down to final strokes with Iran,” using a golf metaphor to underscore the critical stage of the negotiations.

We’re down to the final moments. We’re at final moments. Can’t let them have a nuclear weapon.” Trump anticipated “interesting days ahead” in the context of Iran and suggested a potential military approach, stating, “I’d rather do a peace deal than the other … but the other will solve the problem.”

Over the weekend, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei declared that Iran would not engage in negotiations with “bullying countries.”

Next, the U.S. may target China, which purchases 90% of Iran’s oil exports.

Latest Worthy News