With the formation of Ali al-Zaidi’s government in Iraq, the name of retired U.S. general David Petraeus has resurfaced with unusual prominence, amid American pressure to exclude Iran-aligned armed factions from the cabinet unveiled on May 13, 2026.

Gulf anger toward Iraq is rising fast over attacks launched from its territory since the U.S. began its war on Iran, with tensions escalating further after Kuwait was struck on April 24, reviving urgent questions about Iraq’s relations with its Arab neighbors after years of cautious improvement.

In a fresh escalation on Iraq’s crowded political stage, Iran-linked militias have launched a fierce campaign against the U.S. president’s envoy to Baghdad, Mark Savaya, going as far as issuing direct threats.

In an unprecedented turn since the post-2003 era that followed the U.S. invasion, Iraq’s civil movement has been reduced to a single seat in parliament after its electoral lists suffered a major setback in the November 11, 2025, vote.

During the electoral campaign, public statements from figures linked to Iran-backed armed factions praised al-Halbousi and urged Sunni voters to support him, while warning against voting for the Iraqi Sovereignty Alliance.