US sanctions Iraqi figures, including brothers of Muhsin al-Mandalawi

Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – The United States has sanctioned nine Iraqi citizens and two Iraqi companies for their ties to Iranian financial networks and Kataib Hezbollah, including two brothers of renowned Iraqi politician Muhsin al-Mandalawi.

On Thursday, the United States Treasury Department added Majid Ali Akbar Namdar al-Mandalawi and Abdulhasan Ali Akbar Namdar al-Mandalawi to its sanctions list as part of Washington’s broader fight against Iranian finance and regional proxy networks.

Treasury accused Majid of using Iraqi private banks to transfer monies via Shams & Bahr Trading Company in Dubai, which Washington said transported millions of dollars from Iraq to Iran via the UAE. Abdulhasan was recognized as another proprietor of the firm.

Treasury lists both guys as Iraqi nationals. Abdulhasan is also described as a Canadian, whereas Majid is a Turkish national.

Mohsen al-Mandalawi was not sanctioned.

The move targeted four Iraqis identified by Treasury as Kataib Hezbollah members or commanders: Ali Hasan Farhan al-Lami, Hussein Ahmed Hussein al-Dhuhaibawi, Mohammed Ameen Fadhil Ali al-Shaikhli, and Karrar Mohammed Qasim al-Hraishawi.

Three additional Iraqis, Abbas Jawad Kadhim al-Tamimi, Abdullah Nadhim Luaibi al-Ameri, and Khaldoon Naser Maryoosh al-Abada, were also sanctioned for their participation in procurement or support networks related to Iran-aligned forces.

The Treasury also approved Baghdad-based Ain Al-Iraq for Protection Systems Technology and Al-Brouj for General Contracting.

The designations come as Washington steps up attempts to cut Iranian financial and militia networks out of Iraq’s economy, while Baghdad seeks to put weaponry under state control and enhance economic connections with the US and Gulf states.