David Schenker, former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State, stated that President Trump included Iraq in his pressure campaign against Iran. He noted that U.S. support for the Kurdistan Region has yielded multiple benefits and confirmed ongoing funding for the Peshmerga forces.
On Thursday, during the ongoing 2025 Erbil Forum, David Schenker, former Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, articulated that President Donald Trump integrated Iraq into his maximum pressure strategy against Iran. Schenker remarked that this strategic inclusion was not primarily indicative of Trump’s focus on Iraq itself but rather a component of a broader initiative directed at Iran.
Schenker emphasized the positive impact of U.S. policy on the Kurdistan Region, noting it has resulted in significant benefits, including sustained American support and the deployment of U.S. troops within Iraqi Kurdistan. He reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to providing annual funding of $20 million for the Peshmerga forces, highlighting continued military support as crucial for regional stability.
In summary, David Schenker’s insights during the 2025 Erbil Forum reveal that while Iraq was not a primary focus for Donald Trump, it was nonetheless involved in a larger strategy aimed at applying pressure on Iran. The U.S. continues to support the Kurdistan Region through military assistance and funding, which underscores its ongoing commitment to stability in the area.
Original Source: shafaq.com
