David Schenker, former US Assistant Secretary of State, stated that President Trump’s policies tied Iraq to his pressure campaign against Iran during remarks at the 2025 Erbil Forum. He noted the benefits of US involvement in the Kurdistan Region and confirmed continued financial support for the Peshmerga forces.
On Thursday, David Schenker, the former US Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, asserted that President Donald Trump integrated Iraq into his maximum pressure strategy targeting Iran. Speaking at the 2025 Erbil Forum, Schenker emphasized the benefits of US policy towards the Kurdistan Region, highlighting continued American support and the presence of US troops in Iraqi Kurdistan. He also reiterated that the US will sustain its annual funding of $20 million for the Peshmerga forces.
In summary, David Schenker’s remarks reveal that while President Trump may not have prioritized Iraq, he nonetheless associated it with broader efforts to exert pressure on Iran. The consistent support for the Kurdistan Region and Peshmerga reinforces the strategic focus on countering Iranian influence in the area.
Original Source: shafaq.com
