Iran escalates threats as US pushes economic isolation

Iraqi political scientist Iyad Al-Anbar has commented on Baghdad's recent actions in response to Iran's interference in the country's economy and arms control. In an interview with Al Arabiya FM, Al-Anbar stated that Iraq has put Iran in a difficult situation over its economic influence and the weapons crisis.

Al-Anbar explained that Iran has hindered Iraq's resources, making it challenging for the Iraqi economy to thrive. He suggested that those who advocate for Iraq to follow Iran's interests may be seeking attention rather than a genuine position.

The political scientist highlighted that Iraq had not previously addressed Iran's actions in preventing oil tankers from passing through the Strait of Hormuz. However, after Iranian officials spoke of special ties with Iraq, Baghdad embarrassed Tehran by addressing the issue directly.

Al-Anbar noted that Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf had raised the concern of restricting Iraqi factions' weapons to state control. However, Iraq's response to this matter was clear. He added that the weapons issue in Iraq is multifaceted, involving security, political factors, and the chaos resulting from US management of Iraqi affairs and Iranian influence during a period of political instability.

The professor concluded that the current situation in Iraq is a consequence of these factors, but the government has now taken a firm stance: there will be no weapons outside state control after September 30.