U.S. Rep. Threatens to Block Iraqi Funds Over KRI Attacks
In a post on the social media platform X, U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson wrote, "Attacks by Iran-backed Iraqi militias against US forces and American oil companies in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq will not be tolerated."
By Kamaran Aziz
ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) — A senior U.S. Republican lawmaker is calling for Iraq to be blocked from accessing its oil revenues held in the Federal Reserve, demanding that Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani take “decisive action” to halt attacks on foreign oil companies in the Kurdistan Region.
U.S. Representative Joe Wilson issued the call as part of mounting pressure on the Iraqi government to stop attacks targeting energy infrastructure in the autonomous region.
In a post on the social media platform X, Wilson wrote, "Attacks by Iran-backed Iraqi militias against US forces and American oil companies in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq will not be tolerated."
The representative directly tied financial consequences to the Iraqi government's response. "Iraqi oil funds must no longer use the Federal Reserve and Iraqi PM Mohammed Shia al-Sudani must take decisive action or risk severe consequence," Wilson stated.
Attacks by Iran-backed Iraqi militias against US forces and American oil companies in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq will not be tolerated. Iraqi oil funds must no longer use the @federalreserve and Iraqi PM @mohamedshia must take decisive action or risk severe consequence.
— Joe Wilson (@RepJoeWilson) July 17, 2025
Representative Wilson’s statement follows a series of at least seven drone attacks that targeted vital energy infrastructure across the Kurdistan Region between July 14 and July 16, drawing widespread condemnation from Kurdish and U.S. officials.
The attacks struck key oil fields including Khurmala in Erbil province and Sarsang, Peshkhabour, and Tawke in Duhok province and the Zakho Independent Administration. International operators, including U.S.-affiliated HKN Energy and Norwegian company DNO, were among those targeted.
An attack on an HKN facility in the Sarsang block ignited a major fire, forcing a suspension of operations. While the strikes caused material damage, no casualties were reported.
The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Ministry of Natural Resources condemned the incidents as "acts of terrorism against the Kurdistan Region’s vital economic infrastructure," aimed at creating "a threat to the safety of civilian employees."
KRG Interior Minister Rebar Ahmed called them “unfortunate terrorist acts” and stated, “It is clear where the drones are being directed; they consistently target the center of the Kurdistan Region's economy.”
The KRG Interior Ministry also noted a "kind of evasion of responsibility" from Baghdad regarding the attacks.
The United States issued multiple strong condemnations. The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad called the attacks "unacceptable," stating they "undermine Iraq’s sovereignty, and hurt Iraq’s efforts to attract foreign investment."
U.S. Department of State spokesperson Tammy Bruce later described the strikes as a threat to "Iraq’s stability and economic future" and affirmed that the "Government of Iraq has a duty to protect its territory and all of its citizens.”
Analysts cited by Kurdistan24 suggest the attacks are intended to sabotage the Kurdistan Region's economy, undermine its stability to deter foreign investors, and weaken the KRG's negotiating position with Baghdad on issues like oil and salaries.
Despite the establishment of an investigative committee by Prime Minister al-Sudani and calls from Kurdish and U.S. officials for accountability, there have been no reported arrests. While no group has claimed responsibility, the attacks are widely attributed to "outlaw Iraqi militia groups."
