Brazen Act of Iranian Interference in Iraq

The world witnessed the most brazen act of Iranian interference in years this week when Iraq’s Federal Supreme Court – literally out of nowhere – ousted the Speaker of Iraq’s Parliament, Mohamed Halbousi, the country’s highest-ranking Sunni official, and another Sunni legislator.

 A report by the Council on Foreign Relations indicates that Iran has strong ties to more than a dozen political parties in Iraq since the fall of Saddam Hussein in 2003. To destabilize the young democracy that has been sharing power among Shias, Sunnis, and Kurds, Iran has sought to fuel sectarian hostility between Shias and Sunnis in Iraq. Iran, a predominantly Shia Muslim nation, is fueling sectarian hostility between Shias and Sunnis.

"I am surprised by the issuance of these decisions. I am surprised by the lack of respect for the Constitution," Halbousi said in a video statement after the ruling.

The Federal Supreme Court of Iraq has faced criticism for its consistent alignment with Iran's interests. This has been particularly evident in cases involving the expansion of Kurdistan's representation in Iraq's parliament, as Iran fears this would diminish support for their parties within Iraq. According to the Washington Kurdistan Institute, the Supreme Court consistently rules in favor of Iran and against Kurdistan. In fact, the Institute goes so far as to say that all of the Court's decisions perfectly align with Iran's agenda.

Notably, the Federal Supreme Court of Iraq did not provide any justification for its decision to remove Halbousi from his position. Furthermore, there is no recourse for this ruling, which removes Halbousi from his role as speaker and expels him from Parliament altogether. As a result of this decision, three Iraqi government ministers who align with Halbousi and the Takadum Party have resigned in protest. 

According to Reuters, these ministers responsible for planning, industry, and culture have condemned the ruling as unconstitutional and clearly politically motivated. In response, the party has announced a boycott of meetings within the State Administration Coalition, and Takadum lawmakers have vowed to abstain from parliamentary sessions. According to Reuters, critics have also accused the Federal Supreme Court of being heavily influenced by political forces.