The Trump administration's decision to revoke Iraq's sanctions waiver, which allowed it to import natural gas from Iran, has plunged the country into a dire energy crisis. The move aligns with Trump's 'maximum pressure' policy on Iran and aims to force Tehran to negotiate a new deal regarding its nuclear program. Iraq lacks the infrastructure to utilize its own natural gas reserves for electricity generation, and the sudden stoppage of Iranian gas supplies will pose operational challenges and potentially lead to prolonged power outages. The US wants to pressure Iraq to resolve its differences with Iraqi Kurdistan and sever ties with Iran to reduce Tehran's influence in Iraqi affairs.