US 'investment' project in Iraq is cover for plundering national wealth: Iraqi Resistance leader

In a statement released on Sunday, Sheikh Akram al-Kaabi, the secretary-general of the movement, condemned attempts to justify submission to the "American axis of evil."

Sheikh Al-Kaabi specifically criticized political narratives aimed at pressuring Iraq into complying with the demands of figures he described as "Zionist mafia traders," such as Tom Barrack, particularly regarding policies targeting the Popular Mobilization Forces (Hashd al-Shaabi) and the broader resistance factions.

Sheikh Al-Kaabi dismissed the argument circulated by some political circles that Iraq must appease Washington to ensure the delivery of oil revenues and federal budget allocations.

He described it as an "astounding absurdity" for a sovereign nation to mortgage its economy and national funds to an "arrogant criminal thief."

Instead of weakening the country's centers of power and surrendering its sovereignty, Sheikh al-Kaabi argued that Iraq must prioritize national interests and dignity.

He called for the immediate diversification of oil sales channels to break the American monopoly, allowing Iraq to receive payments directly from international buyers rather than funneling them through a "usurping trustee" who has unjustly appointed himself as the controller of the nation's wealth.

Sovereignty and illusion of 'investment'

Highlighting Iraq's legal standing on the global stage, the resistance leader noted that the country has officially exited UN Security Council Chapter VII.

This transition grants Iraq the full, unrestricted freedom to determine its own oil sales mechanisms, partners, and financial pathways without external coercion.

Mourners chant 'down with the USA' at the funeral procession of the martyrs of the US-Saudi attack on Iraq at the Holy Shrine of Imam Hussein (AS) in Karbala.

Sheikh Al-Kaabi also strongly condemned recent remarks by the US Secretary of State, who claimed that "US investments in Iraq are part of US national security."

Sheikh Al-Kaabi cited this statement as definitive proof that the malicious US agenda in Iraq is nothing more than resource extraction and economic control masked as developmental investment.

Vow to defend Iraq’s livelihood

Opening his statement with a Quranic verse warning believers not to lean toward oppressors lest they be consumed by fire, Sheikh al-Kaabi affirmed that confronting this economic plunder is one of the most critical duties undertaken by the Iraqi resistance.

"We will not remain silent about the theft and plunder of Iraq's resources and the livelihood of its people, under any pretext, name, or title," he vowed, reaffirming the resistance's unwavering commitment to liberating Iraq from what he described as a "detested guardianship" that seeks to control the nation's destiny.

Founded by Sheikh Akram al-Kaabi, the movement has been a vocal advocate for the complete withdrawal of foreign military forces from Iraq and the restoration of the country's full economic and political sovereignty, frequently opposing neo-colonial exploitation by Western powers.