US threatens Iraq with dollar crunch over Iraqi Resistance Forces, allies of Iran.

Since taking office a year ago, Trump has implemented policies aimed at weakening the Iranian government, including through its neighbour Iraq.

Iran considers Iraq vital for keeping its economy functioning amid sanctions, and has historically used Baghdad’s banking system to circumvent restrictions, according to U.S. and Iraqi officials. Previous U.S. administrations have placed sanctions on more than a dozen Iraqi banks in efforts to stop this practice, but have never blocked dollar flows from the New York Fed to the Central Bank of Iraq.

Harris delivered the threat in conversations with Iraqi officials and influential Shi’ite leaders, including some heads of Iran Resistance groups through intermediaries, the sources revealed.

Investing report

US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that he is sending an “armada” towards Iran, threatening Tehran against resuming its nuclear programme.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One after returning from meetings with world leaders in Davos, Switzerland, Trump said Washington was closely monitoring Iran as US naval assets moved into the region.

“We have a lot of ships going that direction, just in case,” Trump said. “I’d rather not see anything happen, but we’re watching them very closely.”

MEE report