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.

Iraq's parliamentary elections come amid a notable decline in Iran’s regional influence, an absence of security unrest in Sunni cities, the unprecedented boycott by the Sadrist movement since 2005, and the exclusive adoption of biometric voting cards.

In light of the 12-day Israeli war on Iran, Iraq’s Shiite religious authority renewed its call for arms to be limited to the state alone and warned against returning to what it described as “eras of oppression and tyranny."

In every war the U.S. enters, Britain follows closely behind, sending its jets, troops, and airbases, even when it has no direct stake, as seen in Iraq, Afghanistan, and now Iran.