With US troops departing, Iraq looks beyond balancing Washington and Tehran

With US troops departing, Iraq looks beyond balancing Washington and Tehran Submitted by Zahra Ladha on Tue, 07/28/2026 - 09:12 Strengthening institutions, banking reforms and the prospect of a US-Iran agreement could give Baghdad greater strategic autonomy Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian walks alongside Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi during a welcoming ceremony in Tehran, 23 July 2026 (Iranian Presidency/AFP) Off For several years, officials in Baghdad have maintained a careful balancing act – taking some measures in response to US pressure to reduce Iran’s informal influence in Iraq , while maintaining strong bilateral ties with neighbouring Tehran. This dynamic has constrained Baghdad’s ability to pursue domestic economic and security reforms, or chart a more autonomous foreign policy. However, a combination of recent attempts to strengthen Iraqi state institutions, the upcoming withdrawal of US-led Coalition troops from Federal Iraq and the prospect of a US-Iran settlement could allow Baghdad to redefine its relationship with both Iran and the United States.