The administration of US President Donald Trump has suspended the transfer of cash dollars to Iraq and temporarily halted security cooperation with the Iraqi military. According to The Wall Street Journal, the move aims to pressure the Iraqi government to dismantle powerful Iran-backed militia groups operating within the country.

The report states that the US Treasury Department recently blocked a cargo plane carrying about 500 million dollars in cash destined for Iraq. The funds originated from Iraqi oil sales and were held in an account at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. US officials cited concerns over the influence and activities of the militias as the reason for withholding the money. Neither the Trump administration nor the Treasury Department has issued an official comment on the matter.

The suspension marks a significant escalation in US efforts to curb Iranian influence in Iraq, reflecting ongoing tensions in the region.