Baghdad: Choosing between Iran and America

Relations between Iran, Iraq, and the United States are shaped by growing regional tensions and a complex system of political and security interactions, in which Baghdad plays an important balancing role.

Tehran seeks greater cooperation between Iran and Iraq in completely dismantling Iranian Kurdish opposition individuals and groups in accordance with the previous security agreement, coordination to protect common borders, and the pursuit of Iran’s armed opponents in Iraqi Kurdistan.

Earlier, Iran called on Iraq to “assume its responsibility” in preventing the use of its airspace for aggression against neighboring countries or prevent the “misuse” of its airspace against Iran.

Towards the end of the 12-Day War, some Iranian military elites criticized the Iraqi government for failing to defend its skies.

Apart from condemning the US and Israel for their attacks on the positions of the Iraqi military and security forces, Iran seeks to reduce the presence and role of the US and prevent Israel’s influence in Iraq.

Also, Iranian officials such as Masoud Pezeshkian and Abbas Araghchi appreciated the Iraqi government and nation and the religious authorities of Iraq regarding the decisive condemnation of the aggression of America and Israel.

Despite Washington’s pressure, the Shia allies have the largest parliamentary bloc and a decisive role in the government. So, regarding soft power, Iran is the toughest foreign actor in Iraq.

Washington and Baghdad have agreed to reduce the role of U.S. forces in the fight against ISIS and to move toward a new security relationship.

In the past year, however, a memorandum of understanding on border security between Iran and Iraq was signed. But America’s negative note against the........

© New Eastern Outlook