A senior Kurdish politician warned on Saturday that Iraq and the broader Middle East region could soon face significant decisions from the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, urging the Iraqi federal government to prepare for potential economic and political challenges.

Shakhawan Abdullah, the second deputy speaker of the Iraqi parliament, made the remarks during a speech at the University of Soran. He emphasized that the Trump administration may soon announce critical decisions affecting Iraq, Iran, and the wider region, particularly in the areas of sanctions and economic policy.

“We may seriously be facing some important decisions from President Trump's new administration regarding Iraq, Iran, and the region, both economically and politically,” Abdullah stated. He added that such decisions should not come as a surprise to Baghdad, as Iraqi officials have been repeatedly warned about their possibility.

Abdullah cited U.S. officials, saying, “If issued in the future, the decisions [against the government of Iraq] should not come as a surprise because they were prepared in advance, and we have frequently warned against their issuance. Unfortunately, you couldn’t understand our messages or respond to them.”

The warning comes amid growing tensions between Washington and Baghdad over issues ranging from Kurdish oil exports to the influence of Iran-backed militias in Iraq. On Saturday, Reuters reported, citing eight informed officials, that the Trump administration is preparing to impose sanctions on the Iraqi government if it does not allow the resumption of Kurdish oil exports. These sanctions could be implemented alongside existing measures against Iran.

In a related development, Iraq’s central bank last week blocked five private banks from dealing in U.S. dollars at the request of the U.S. Treasury. This move is seen as part of broader efforts by Washington to curb Iran’s influence in Iraq and enforce compliance with U.S. sanctions.

Earlier in February, 12 members of the U.S. Congress urged the Trump administration to blacklist and sanction Iran-backed militias in Iraq. They also called for an end to “all security assistance to Iraq” as long as these groups remain part of the Iraqi government. The lawmakers argued that such measures are necessary to counter Tehran’s growing influence in the region.

Abdullah’s remarks highlight the growing pressure on Iraq as it navigates its complex relationships with both the United States and Iran. The Kurdish politician’s warning underscores the potential for significant geopolitical and economic shifts in the region, depending on the Trump administration’s next moves.

As tensions escalate, Iraqi officials are being urged to take proactive steps to address these challenges and avoid being caught off guard by potential U.S. decisions. The coming weeks could prove pivotal for Iraq’s political and economic stability, as well as its role in the broader Middle East.