Al-Monitor | Ali Mamouri: As tensions between Washington and Tehran rise across the region, the United States is making life more difficult for Iran in Iraq.

The Treasury Department sanctioned four Iraqis who are close to Iran on July 18. Those sanctioned include two former provincial governors and two militia leaders, all known as figures close to Iran. The four individuals are Ahmed Abdullah al-Jabouri, known also as "Abu Mazen," Rayan al-Kildani, Nawfal al-Akoub and Waad Qado (Abu Jaffar al-Shabaki).

Jabouri, a member of parliament from Salahuddin province, formerly served as the province's governor. He is accused of working with �Iran-backed proxies that operate outside of state control.�

Jabouri, who is also accused of being involved with corruption, was removed from the Salahuddin governor's post and sentenced to prison in July 2017 for �misusing authority and federal funds, and appropriating land for personal use.� He was released soon after through the mediation of Abu Mahdi al-Mohandas, the deputy of the Popular Mobilization Units (PMU).

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