US Revokes Visa and Adds Former Iraqi Finance Minister Taif Sami Mohammed to Terrorism Watchlist

The US State Department announced on Friday that the visa of former Iraqi finance minister Taif Sami Mohammed has been revoked following her placement on the FBI's terrorism watchlist. According to the State Department statement, she is no longer present in the US, though no further details were disclosed regarding the timing or reasons for her inclusion on the watchlist.

Ms Mohammed recently departed from her role as finance minister last month, having held the position since 2022. This development represents a dramatic shift in her standing with the US government. Previously, during the Biden administration, the State Department praised Ms Mohammed as a frontline leader against corruption, earning her the moniker the “Iron Woman.” Secretary of state Anthony Blinken and Jill Biden presented her with the International Woman of Courage Award in 2022.

At that time, the State Department described Ms Mohammed as a political independent who played a vital role in deterring and preventing budget corruption in Iraq. However, the State Department recently stated that under President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, suspected terrorists will not be permitted to stay in the United States.