Republicans in the House of Representatives are demanding decisive action against Iraq, a nation that has sadly become little more than a vassal of Iran’s radical Islamist regime. Despite decades of American sacrifice, both in blood and treasure, Iraq today stands as a glaring example of failed policies from the Obama-Biden years—policies that the Trump administration is working tirelessly to reverse.
Representatives Joe Wilson (R-S.C.) and Greg Steube (R-Fla.) have called on Secretary of State Marco Rubio to implement “maximum pressure” sanctions against Iraq, citing its “complete subjugation” by Iran. Their recent letter highlights a stark reality: after the United States invested billions of taxpayer dollars and lost thousands of brave American troops, the Iraqi government is now effectively controlled by Tehran’s extremist clerics and their terror proxies.
The letter from Wilson and Steube doesn’t mince words, pointing directly to former President Barack Obama and his Iraq envoy Brett McGurk for propping up the disastrous leadership of Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. This policy not only resulted in brutal crackdowns on political opponents but also directly contributed to the rise of ISIS. Obama’s administration compounded their errors by relying on Iranian-backed militias to fight ISIS, handing Tehran unprecedented leverage over Baghdad.
Today, the consequences of these reckless decisions are undeniable: Iranian proxies now dominate Iraq’s government and security forces. Despite receiving over $1.25 billion in foreign military financing from the U.S. since 2015, Iraq continues to act against American interests. Most egregiously, in 2021, Baghdad even issued an arrest warrant against President Donald Trump for the decisive strike against Iranian terror mastermind Qassem Soleimani—a daring action that unquestionably made the world safer.
Wilson and Steube’s proposal is straightforward and unapologetic: stop all foreign aid to Iraq until Baghdad breaks free from Iranian influence. They argue for sanctioning Iraq’s importation of Iranian gas—a move that would significantly hinder Tehran’s economic lifeline. The Trump administration has already ended waivers allowing Iraq to buy Iranian electricity, but more must be done to ensure American resources no longer prop up our enemies.
The lawmakers also demand that the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), an Iranian-backed paramilitary group operating within Iraq, be designated as a foreign terrorist organization. This designation would empower the Trump administration to impose strict financial sanctions on the PMF and their financial supporters, cutting off their funding and weakening Iran’s grip.
Furthermore, Wilson and Steube call for sanctions on Iraqi politicians and banks that facilitate Iranian influence. For too long, corrupt Iraqi officials have enriched themselves at America’s expense, while enabling Tehran’s regional aggression. It’s time they faced consequences.
This isn’t mere partisan politics. This is about American sovereignty, national security, and ensuring that the brave sacrifices of our troops were not made in vain. The United States invaded Iraq in 2003 to topple Saddam Hussein and to create a stable, democratic partner in the Middle East. Instead, thanks to the catastrophic policies of the Obama-Biden years, Iraq has become a puppet state, helping Iran export terrorism and violence throughout the region.
The Trump administration has boldly reversed the previous administration’s failures in foreign policy. From ending endless wars to putting America First, President Trump and Secretary Rubio understand that strength—not appeasement—is the only language the Iranian regime respects.
As Wilson and Steube stated unequivocally, “We urge you to take immediate action to implement these necessary policies and ensure that American resources are no longer used to prop up Iran’s control over Iraq.” This is precisely the kind of clarity and strength we elected Republicans to provide. It’s time to hold Iraq accountable and restore America’s credibility on the world stage.
