The head of the Al-Azm Alliance: The US chargé d’affaires hinted at measures that could affect individuals and institutions… and the decision rests with the framework.
The head of the Al-Azm Alliance: The US chargé d’affaires hinted at measures that could affect individuals and institutions… and the decision rests with the framework.
2026-02-21
The head of the Al-Azm Alliance, Muthanna Al-Samarrai, revealed on Saturday (February 21, 2026) the content of a message conveyed by the Chargé d’Affaires at the US Embassy in Baghdad, concerning how Washington will deal with the next Iraqi government if it does not meet the standards of partnership between the two sides.
Al-Samarrai said in a televised interview that the US chargé d’affaires “spoke about existing concerns and a package of measures that will be taken towards the country, and told us verbatim that the United States has the right, by virtue of its partnership, to choose how to deal with its partners and allies.”
Al-Samarrai explained that the discussion was not limited to traditional sanctions, adding: “Sanctions are sometimes imposed on individuals and may extend to include government institutions. The message was clear that the United States wants to maintain its partnership with Iraq, but this partnership is based on conditions and standards for both them and us, and we are free in our choices within our sovereignty.”
Al-Samarrai explained that the American message was summarized by the chargé d’affaires with the phrase “We have our options and you have yours,” stressing that “the issue today is not in the hands of the Sunni forces or the political council of the Sunni component, but rather the decision is with the coordinating framework, as it is the one that decides the shape of the next government and the nature of the candidate for prime minister.”
burathanews.com
