QUESTION: Iraqi prime minister yesterday said that his government is in close contact with the Washington about some 10 billion U.S. dollars that it owes to Iran in gas payment. And he spelled out that yesterday a delegation from Iraq went to Oman to discuss about how to transferring this 10 billion U.S. dollars to Oman. My question is: What’s your response to this Iraqi call, and are you going to release all the Iranian money altogether?
MR MILLER: The electricity waiver provided to Iraq last month allows for the transfer of funds from Iran’s restricted accounts in Iraq to restricted accounts in select third-country banks. This is something I’ve spoke to previously from the podium. Prime Minister Sudani has demonstrated commitment to strengthening Iraq’s energy security, and this mechanism is only one way we are seeking to alleviate Iranian pressure on Iraq. We work closely with Iraq to ensure these energy payments are managed in a manner consistent with U.S. sanctions and cannot be diverted for illicit means, and we remain supportive of transactions for humanitarian goods and will continue to engage with the Iraqi Government on these complex issues.
Can be found under Iraq.
https://www.state.gov/briefings/department-press-briefing-august-2-2023/#post-467164-IRAQ
