Despite US pressures, Iran’s influence still on the rise in Iraq

Tabnak – Despite Washington’s efforts to increase pressures on Tehran by cutting the chain of its regional alliances, the Islamic Republic appears to remain a decisive actor in shaping the developments in the Middle East. Introducing a politician with friendly ties with Iran as Iraq’s new parliament speaker, as well as popular support for Iran inside Iraq, are clear signs in this regard.

In this vein, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Bahram Qassemi on Saturday extended his congratulations to Mohammed al-Halbousi on his election as Iraq's new parliament speaker.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran has always supported Iraq's democracy, territorial integrity and national sovereignty and backs decisions made by people's elected representatives," Qassemi added.

He expressed hope that a new Iraqi president and a new prime minister would also be elected soon in order to prepare the ground for the formation of a new and popular Iraqi government.

Also on Saturday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani offered his congratulations to Halbousi, expressing hope that parliamentary relations between the two countries would be further expanded during his tenure. He added that the Iranian government, parliament and people attach special importance to relations with the Iraqi nation.

"God willing, we will witness development, prosperity and peace for the decent Iraqi nation after further establishment of security in that country," the top Iranian parliamentarian said.

Earlier in the day, Iraq's parliament elected Halbousi, former governor of the western province of Anbar. Halbousi, who had previously served in Iraq's parliament from 2014 to 2017, tallied 169 votes to beat out former defense minister Khalid al-Obaidi's 89 on Saturday, according to lawmaker Husham al-Suhail.

Current Iraqi Vice President Usama al-Nujaifi and former Member of Parliament Raad al-Dahlaki were also running for the post. A total of 251 lawmakers, out of 329, attended the session and took part in the vote. Announcing the vote, the temporary leader of the assembly Mohammed Ali Zaini said Halbousi, 37, had become the youngest parliament speaker in Iraq's history.

Western media describe Halbousi as a pro-Iran political figure, saying that the pro-Iran bloc led by Hadi Al Ameri’s Conquest Alliance looked positioned to take the lead Saturday after the election of its candidate, Al Halbusi.

Meanwhile, it is reported that Iraqis from different walks of life have staged a march in the southern city of Basra to condemn a recent attack on Iran’s consulate in the city.

Trampling on US and Israeli flags, the Iraqi demonstrators chanted slogans in support of Iran and praised the country’s help to the Iraqi military and volunteer forces in the fight against terrorism.

The march came a few days after a group of people ransacked Iran’s consulate in Basra and set the diplomatic post on fire. The Friday attack drew wide condemnation from Iraqi government officials while some blamed it on certain foreign governments who have been seeking to stoke division in Iraq.