Iraq-based Iranian Kurdish insurgents are becoming the epicenter of a coordinated Iran-led campaign to force the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) to toe its security policy.

The collision between Iraqi paramilitaries allied with Iran and the Sadrist current risks fueling tribal conflicts in southern Iraq and in other parts of the country.

Paramilitary surrogates are popping up in Iraq with strong links to existing militant networks. The application Telegram has been crucial in fostering new paramilitary identities.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi is likely heading toward a confrontation with the Iran-backed paramilitaries, which could threaten his fledgling coalition.

Despite economic obstacles facing the two countries, Turkey and Iran strive to cement economic relations and maintain their multifaceted relations.

Though the Muslim Brotherhood and Iran share ideological commonalities and points of political convergence, several impediments stand in the way of deeper ties between them.

Water scarcity in Iran threatens not just its agricultural self-sufficiency but may also strain its energy exports in the long term, two sectors it hopes to rely on to weather new economic sanctions.

Its economic future in question, Tehran is looking to maintain and increase its influence in Iraq by investing in schemes and projects linked with loyal paramilitary forces.

Escalating tensions surrounding the Kurdish independence referendum are encouraging Iran to accelerate efforts to diversify trade to Iraq.

Iran’s weak economic recovery eroded Rouhani’s voter base, but municipal victories for his reformist and centrist allies may help his agenda and boost chances for future electoral victories.