One by one, Iraq’s ruling Shiite factions have been making concessions to the United States under unprecedented pressure from Washington on Tehran-aligned allies who assumed power after the 2003 U.S. invasion and the fall of Saddam Hussein.

Baghdad’s ability to resist Iranian pressure is under scrutiny after reports that a senior Iraqi official rejected a request to channel money to Hezbollah via Syria, leaving open the question of whether the cash could yet reach Lebanon.

The new Syrian state continues to intensify efforts to cut all arms supply lines from Syria to Hezbollah in Lebanon and to shut them down completely, given their impact on the country’s stability.

Shiite factions under the Popular Mobilization Forces have penetrated Iraq’s economic sphere, sparking genuine concern among major traders about losing their livelihoods to competitors backed by the power of arms.

Amid the ongoing war between Iran and “Israel” since June 13, 2025, Iraq once again finds itself caught in a complex struggle—torn between Iranian-backed militias on its soil and American bases and interests.