{
  "id": 2729263,
  "title": "Iraq embarrasses Iran over economic interference and arms issue, says political scientist",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/23/iraq-embarrasses-iran-over-economic-interference-and-arms-issue-says",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-23T05:39:34.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Ajel English",
    "slug": "ajel-english",
    "url": "https://english.ajel.sa/world/ext48zf0w"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.\n\nAl-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.\n\nThe 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.\n\nAl-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.\n\nThe 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.",
  "summary": "Iraqi political scientist Iyad Al-Anbar says Baghdad has put Iran in an awkward position over its economic influence and the weapons crisis.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": "Iraq's direct confrontation with Iran over economic influence and arms control signifies a shift in Baghdad's approach, potentially limiting Tehran's sway and asserting Iraqi sovereignty.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}