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🇮🇱 Israel /Elections & Politics

Iraq political factions fail to agree on prime minister as US pressure mounts

From Jerusalem Post · (just now) English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Iraqi political parties within the Coalition Framework are struggling to agree on a prime minister five months after the November 2025 election.
  • The US is exerting pressure on Iraq, reportedly suspending security cooperation and withholding dollar transfers to push for investigations into attacks on Americans.
  • Iran has been actively involved, with IRGC Quds Force head Esmail Qaani visiting Baghdad to influence the decision, reportedly preferring weaker prime ministers to maintain control via Shi'ite militias.

Baghdad finds itself in a political stalemate as Iraq's Shi'ite political factions, operating under the banner of the Coalition Framework, continue to deliberate on the selection of a new prime minister. This critical decision remains elusive five months after the November 2025 elections, highlighting deep divisions within the country's political landscape. The prime minister's post, traditionally held by a Shi'ite, is a key component of Iraq's post-2003 power-sharing system, which also designates a Kurdish president.

It has been five months since Iraq had an election in November, 2025. However, the parties can’t agree on a prime minister.

— Seth J. FrantzmanHighlighting the political deadlock in Iraq following the election.

The United States has intensified its pressure on Baghdad, with reports indicating a suspension of security cooperation and a halt in dollar transfers. This move is aimed at compelling Iraq to thoroughly investigate recent attacks targeting American interests within the country. The US stance underscores its significant influence and concern over regional stability, particularly in light of escalating tensions involving Iran and its affiliated militias.

The US is watching closely. Reports at Al-Hadath and Alhurra both say that the US has suspended some security cooperation with Baghdad and is withholding dollar transfers in order to pressure Iraq to investigate attacks on Americans in Iraq.

— Seth J. FrantzmanDetailing US pressure tactics on the Iraqi government.

Meanwhile, Iran appears to be actively maneuvering to shape Iraq's political future. The presence of IRGC Quds Force head Esmail Qaani in Baghdad signals Tehran's determination to influence the prime ministerial choice. Iran's preference, according to reports, lies with selecting a weaker leader who can be more easily controlled through the powerful Shi'ite militias, such as the Popular Mobilization Forces. These groups have been implicated in numerous attacks across the region, adding another layer of complexity to Iraq's internal political dynamics and its delicate balancing act between the US and Iran.

Iran has preferred that Iraq choose weak prime ministers.

— Seth J. FrantzmanExplaining Iran's strategic interest in Iraq's political leadership.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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