US issues ultimatum to Iraq: Be independent of Iran or face sanctions

Washington has given Baghdad a deadline until Friday, February 27, to form a government free from Iranian influence, sources told Al Arabiya.

The sources say the U.S. has threatened strict sanctions against institutions and individuals if a pro-Tehran government is established.

U.S. Special Envoy Thomas Barrack held meetings in Baghdad and the Kurdish region with senior officials, emphasizing that the new government must be “far from Iranian influence.”

Barrack reportedly issued a clear warning of potential sanctions if a government aligned with Tehran comes to power.

Former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has stated he will not withdraw his candidacy, receiving support from the Coordination Framework—the largest parliamentary bloc, which includes Shiite parties close to Iran. Maliki stressed he aims to maintain centralized state control over weapons while balancing relations with both Iran and the U.S.

Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein stressed that forming a new government remains an internal matter, despite Washington’s pressure and threats.

By Khagan Isayev