Iraq’s Next Prime Minister Caught in the Crossfire of U.S.–Iran Rivalry

 

Iraq’s political future is once again being shaped far beyond its own borders. The battle over who will become the country’s next prime minister has turned into a high-stakes tug-of-war between Washington and Tehran, leaving Iraqi leaders trapped in the middle.

At the heart of the crisis is former prime minister Nouri al-Maliki, whose possible return to power has triggered strong resistance from the United States. American officials have signaled that bringing him back could damage relations and force Washington to rethink its support for Iraq. Their concerns center on what they see as the growing influence of Iran-backed factions inside Iraq’s political system and security institutions. (شفق نيوز)

For Washington, the issue is bigger than one politician. U.S. policymakers want to weaken Tehran’s grip on Iraqi politics, curb the role of armed groups linked to Iran, and steer Iraq toward economic partnerships with Western allies. (شفق نيوز)

But on the other side stands Iran, which still maintains deep influence through its political allies inside Iraq’s dominant Shiite coalition. Many within that bloc view Maliki as a figure who protects their interests and preserves their power. As a result, they are reluctant to abandon his candidacy, even under mounting international pressure.

This has created a political stalemate. Iraqi factions are now weighing not only their domestic alliances but also the broader geopolitical climate. If Iran emerges stronger from its confrontation with the United States, pro-Iranian forces in Baghdad may double down on Maliki. If Tehran weakens, they could shift toward a compromise candidate more acceptable to Washington. (شفق نيوز)

The uncertainty is spreading across Iraq’s political landscape. Kurdish and other factions are watching closely, aware that delays in forming a government carry real economic and social costs. Analysts warn that turning the crisis into a waiting game risks deepening instability at home. (شفق نيوز)

Complicating matters further is Iran’s reduced ability to act as a political broker inside Iraq. Domestic challenges and its own negotiations with the United States have limited Tehran’s capacity to enforce unity among its allies, leaving Iraqi factions more divided than in the past. (شفق نيوز)

The result is a leadership vacuum shaped as much by foreign rivalries as by domestic politics. Iraq’s next prime minister is no longer just a national decision — it has become a symbol of the country’s struggle to balance relations with two powerful patrons.

Until that balance is found, Iraq’s political future remains suspended between Washington’s demands and Tehran’s expectations.to match the story.