Iraq Warned of Heavier Economic Costs if It Defies US Sanctions on Iran

BAGHDAD, Aug 25: Iraq could face economic consequences more severe than those confronting Iran if it fails to comply with a new US sanctions campaign against Tehran, Iraqi lawmaker Jamal Kocher has warned.

Kocher, a member of the Iraqi Parliament's Finance Committee, told Iran International on Tuesday that the sanctions could have a direct impact on Iraq, particularly because of its heavy economic dependence on Iran and Turkey.

"Iranian society has faced conditions caused by sanctions for years, while Iraqi society does not have the same readiness to withstand such pressure," Kocher said, warning that Baghdad could face broader sanctions if it does not comply with US measures.

He said Iraq's dependence on Iran could leave the country particularly vulnerable, with potential repercussions for trade, imports and the supply of Iranian natural gas. Despite Baghdad's close political ties with Tehran, Kocher noted that Iraq remains reliant on a financial system influenced by Washington, including for oil revenues, banking transactions and gold imports.

Kocher said Iraq's position could become even more difficult if countries such as Russia, China and Pakistan were unable to circumvent US sanctions against Iran. In such circumstances, he suggested, Baghdad would have limited options and could face significant economic costs if it chose not to comply with Washington's sanctions regime.

KUWAIT CITY, Aug 25: The General Authority for Food and Nutrition, represented by the Hawalli Governorate Inspection Department, conducted an inspection campaign targeting several food establishments to ensure compliance with approved health regulations and food safety standards.

The campaign resulted in the issuance of 11 violation reports and the destruction of 96 kilograms of adulterated and source-unknown meat. Inspectors also detected violations involving health requirements, general hygiene standards and workers’ health certificates. The Authority said it will continue intensifying inspection campaigns across Kuwait’s governorates to protect consumer health and ensure the safety of food products circulating in local markets.