Hinnein Gaddar, senior researcher at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, said Iraq for the Islamic Republic is economically, politically and strategically as important as, or even more important than Lebanon, because Tehran uses this country to maintain its regional influence, strengthen its economy, and apply pressure on the international community.

He added that the future of Iran and the United States’ competition in Iraq depends on Washington’s policy, the performance of the Iraqi government, and its ability to curb groups affiliated with the Islamic Republic. Gaddar said that if regional conflicts escalate again, the Islamic Republic will try—by using its proxy forces—to pull Iraq as well into the arena of war and instability.