Will Iraq’s election results reshape Iran’s role in Baghdad?
Tehran's sway over Baghdad is facing new challenges, with fatigued allies, US pressure and postwar regional shifts redefining Iran's influence in its most strategic neighbor.
TEHRAN — Iraqis went to the polls on Tuesday for a parliamentary election that may prove as consequential for Tehran as it is for Baghdad.
Once the ultimate power broker in postwar Iraq, Iran now faces diminishing returns from two decades of political investment. The Islamic Republic has been witnessing a slow erosion of influence caused by regional upheaval and shifting alliances.
As polling stations opened across the country, more than 21 million Iraqis were eligible to choose from among over 7,700 candidates. Turnout stood at 55%, with over 99% of ballots counted, marking an increase from the record low of about 43% in the 2021 election. Some political factions called for boycotts, arguing that the vote would only perpetuate the same ruling elites who have largely dominated Iraqi politics since 2003. Preliminary results are expected within 24 hours, though the negotiations required to ultimately choose a new prime minister and form a government have historically taken months.
Still, both Tehran and Washington are watching closely.
