EXPERT: IGNORING US THREATS COULD PLUNGE IRAQ INTO COMPLEX CRISES
Strategic affairs expert Hussein Al-Asaad confirmed on Saturday (February 14, 2026) that the United States’ threats to impose sanctions on Iraq if any new government is formed that does not have its approval must be taken very seriously and carefullyconsidered, given their potential repercussions on the political, economic and financial stability of the country.
Al-Asaad told Baghdad Today that “Washington has multiple pressure tools, starting with financial and banking sanctions, and not ending with economic and trade restrictions, in addition to its direct impact on Iraq’s relationship with international institutions and foreign investments. Any escalation in this matter may negatively affect the value of the national currency, market activity, and the financing of vital projects.”
He explained that “the current stage requires Iraqi political forces to adopt a realistic and balanced approach, based on protecting national sovereignty on the one hand, and avoiding entering into uncalculated clashes with influential international powers on the other, especially in light of the sensitive regional conditions and internal economic challenges.”
He added that “the formation of the government must be based on a broad national consensus and a clear government program that reassures the international community about Iraq’s commitments, while at the same time preserving its independent decision-making. Ignoring or downplaying American warnings may open the door to complex crises, the price of which will be paid primarily by the citizens.”
Al-Asaad concluded by saying that “managing this file requires active diplomacy, responsible political dialogue, and a strategic vision that protects Iraq’s higher interests and prevents the use of sanctions as a tool of pressure that hinders the path of stability and state-building in the next stage.”
From time to time, political and economic warnings are raised in Iraq that any tension with influential international powers, especially in financial and economic matters, may affect market activity, investments, and foreign transactions, prompting some parties to call for a balance that combines preserving national decision-making with avoiding escalation.