Iraq’s Robust Commitment to Ties Bodes Well for Iran

The resistance of Iraqi leaders against the United States’ calls for breaking ties with Iran could provide some relief for the country from harsh American sanctions, a political expert says. 
In a recent commentary on the Iranian Diplomacy news website, Jalal Khoshchehreh highlighted the refusal of Washington’s demands by the president, prime minister, Kurdish leaders, parliamentary factions and tribal sheikhs of Iraq, describing it as “a suitable opportunity”, if not a diplomatic victory for Iran, to secure a breathing space amid tightened policies of the US and its allies. 
“Tehran’s smartness in expanding friendly relations with all Iraqi parties and adopting reforms in its ties with this country have produced immediate results,” he wrote, pointing to Foreign Minister Mohammed Javad Zarif’s recent trip to Iraq where he met with all key political and religious figures.