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Iraq Accuses the US and UK of Sabotaging the Oil-for-Food Program - 2002-06-16

Feb 12, 2026 February 12, 2026 1 min read 📰 VOA Persian
📋 Key Takeaway

Iraq's government has accused the US and UK of sabotaging the oil-for-food program due to changes in the UN pricing system, which could lead to significant revenue losses for Iraq. This situation highlights ongoing tensions between Iraq and Western powers, especially regarding economic sanctions and humanitarian aid.

🔍 Quick Context Guide
💡 Bottom Line: Iraq's accusations against the US and UK reveal the fragility of the oil-for-food program and its implications for the country's economy.

👥 Key Players

Amer Mohammed Rashid MENTIONED
Iraqi Oil Minister
"He is responsible for Iraq's oil exports and plays a crucial role in the country's economy, especially under sanctions."
Saddam Hussein MENTIONED
Former President of Iraq
"His regime is central to the context of the oil-for-food program and the tensions with the US and UK."
United Nations Security Council MENTIONED
International governing body overseeing the oil-for-food program
"They set the rules for the oil-for-food program, which is critical for Iraq's economy and humanitarian needs."
United States and United Kingdom MENTIONED
Western powers involved in Iraq's sanctions and policy
"Their actions and policies significantly impact Iraq's economy and international relations."

📰 What Happened

Iraq's government has accused the US and UK of sabotaging the oil-for-food program due to changes in the UN's pricing system for Iraqi oil. This could lead to significant revenue losses for Iraq, affecting its ability to purchase essential goods.

  • The pricing system for Iraqi oil is set at the end of each month, which Iraq claims could lead to a loss of $4 billion in revenue over six months.
  • The oil-for-food program was established in 1996 to allow Iraq to sell oil to buy food and medical supplies amidst international sanctions.

💡 Why It Matters

🇮🇷 For Iran: This situation highlights the broader regional dynamics of sanctions and economic pressure that also affect Iran.
🌍 Regional: The accusations reflect ongoing tensions in the Middle East, particularly between countries under Western sanctions and their adversaries.
🌐 International: The incident underscores the complexities of international sanctions and humanitarian programs, raising questions about their effectiveness and impact.

📚 Background

The oil-for-food program was designed to alleviate humanitarian issues in Iraq while enforcing sanctions against Saddam Hussein's regime. The pricing system aims to prevent Iraq from exploiting oil revenues.

Sanctions on Iraq Humanitarian aid in conflict zones
📡 Source: STATE MEDIA
📊 Confidence: 70%
The article reflects the Iraqi government's perspective, which may emphasize grievances against Western powers.

The Iraqi government has warned that the oil-for-food program may be halted due to the United Nations pricing system. On Saturday, Iraqi Oil Minister Amer Mohammed Rashid stated that the pricing system for Iraqi oil, which is set at the end of each month instead of the beginning, may cause Iraq to lose its customers. According to the oil minister, this could result in a loss of $4 billion in revenue over a six-month period, with daily oil exports decreasing by 500,000 barrels. Amer Mohammed Rashid accused the US and UK governments of making changes to the pricing system with the aim of preventing Iraq from exporting oil and sabotaging the oil-for-food program. UN officials have not yet responded to these statements. The committee overseeing the oil-for-food program, affiliated with the UN Security Council, sets the price for Iraqi oil at the end of each month to prevent Iraq from imposing illegal surcharges on buyers due to price fluctuations. In 1996, the Security Council implemented the oil-for-food program to allow Iraq to sell a certain amount of oil to purchase necessary food and medical supplies from abroad. The US accuses Saddam Hussein of misusing oil export revenues.

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Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →

Translation confidence: 85%

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