Iran-aligned newspaper accuses Iraq corruption campaign of targeting pro-Tehran figures

WASHINGTON, United States — An Iranian newspaper close to the government in Tehran has accused Iraq's ongoing anti-corruption campaign of being politically motivated, claiming the operations target pro-Iran figures and members of the Badr Organization. In a statement reported by the daily Etelaat, the newspaper alleged that sensitive cases in Baghdad are being run in coordination with the U.S. Embassy and the FBI, framing the effort as part of a broader American strategy to weaken Iranian-aligned forces in Iraq, mirroring what it described as Washington's approach in Lebanon. Etelaat also claimed that some of the recent detentions were carried out on political grounds rather than financial charges, though it provided no evidence. The newspaper did not name specific officials or present documents supporting the allegations. Iraq has in recent weeks detained a number of bureaucrats, lawmakers and businessmen as part of an expanding anti-corruption drive. The scope and political fallout of the campaign remain subject to differing assessments within Iraq, and no further details were immediately available on the Iranian accusations or any Iraqi response.