Skip to main content

Iran-US conflict leaves Abadi in a dilemma

By rectifying his statement on supporting US sanctions against Iran, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi is balancing between the United States and Iran in Iraq to keep both sides as his supportive allies.
RTS1XC2H.jpg
Read in 

Ever since US sanctions on Iran were reactivated on Aug. 7, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi has been struggling to balance Iraq's relations between the United States and Iran so as not to lose either of them as a supportive ally.

Abadi's statement Aug. 7 that Iraq will abide by US sanctions triggered Iran's anger; many pro-Iranian parties and militias slammed him and requested that he retreat from his position. Likewise, Iranian officials criticized him and asked Iraq to pay war compensation to Iran for eight years of fighting in the 1980-1988 Iran-Iraq War if it is going to support US sanctions on Iran.

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.