David Schenker, former US Assistant Secretary of State, stated that President Trump associated Iraq with his pressure campaign against Iran. During the 2025 Erbil Forum, he highlighted the benefits of US policy for the Kurdistan Region and confirmed continued funding for Peshmerga forces. Schenker noted that Trump’s attention to Iraq was largely in connection with broader goals regarding Iran.
On Thursday, David Schenker, the former US Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, asserted that President Donald Trump included Iraq as part of his broader strategy to exert maximum pressure on Iran. This statement was made during the second day of the 2025 Erbil Forum, highlighting the interconnectedness of regional policies. Schenker emphasized that Washington’s approach has brought significant benefits to the Kurdistan Region, particularly through continuous US support and the presence of American military forces in Iraqi Kurdistan.
Moreover, Schenker confirmed that the United States intends to uphold its annual funding of $20 million for the Peshmerga forces, which are crucial for stability in the region. He reflected on the Trump administration’s focus, stating, “I do not think Trump was particularly focused on Iraq, but he considered it part of his broader maximum pressure campaign against Iran.” This perspective illustrates the strategic framing of Iraq within wider geopolitical considerations.
In conclusion, David Schenker’s remarks underscore the complexity of US-Iraq relations under the Trump administration, particularly the integration of Iraq within the context of US policies toward Iran. The ongoing support for the Kurdistan Region and the maintenance of financial assistance to the Peshmerga forces reflect the United States’ commitment to regional stability despite the shifting focus of US foreign policy. Schenker’s insights provide a clearer understanding of these dynamics amidst broader geopolitical tensions.
Original Source: shafaq.com
