When the United States toppled Saddam Hussein in 2003, Washington hoped to help build a democratic Iraq that could become a stable partner in the Middle East. Instead, over the past two decades, Iraq’s political system gradually evolved into something far more complex — a state whose most powerful political actors, security networks, and institutions are deeply intertwined with Iran.

Understanding how this happened is essential for shaping a more realistic U.S. policy toward Baghdad.

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Iran’s influence in Iraq did not emerge overnight. Rather, Tehran pursued a patient and calculated strategy that combined political alliances, militia networks, and economic ties. By the time American combat forces withdrew from Iraq in 2011, Iran had already established deep connections across Iraq’s political and security landscape.

IRAN’S IRGC IS DOWN BUT NOT OUT — YET

Many of Iraq’s most influential post-2003 political parties had long-standing relationships with Iran.........

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