U.S. sanctions Maarij, escalating pressure over next Iraqi Cabinet

The U.S. has designated Iraqi Deputy Oil Minister Ali Maarij under its Iran sanctions regime, escalating pressure on the formation of the next Iraqi government. This action follows previous sanctions against Salim Ahmed Said and his company VS Oil Terminal FZE, indicating U.S. efforts to reduce Iranian influence in Iraq's oil sector. The move signals a heightened level of U.S. involvement in Iraqi political dynamics.