Former U.S. Defense Official Says Iraq’s Sovereignty Is a U.S. Priority

Former Pentagon official and security expert David Des Rothes said Washington’s regional priorities begin with Iraq’s sovereignty, warning against Iranian efforts to expand influence in the country. He said an independent and strong Iraq is a shared interest for both the United States and Baghdad. Rothes said Iraq’s move toward energy independence is critical, particularly in electricity, because reliance on Iran gives Tehran economic and political leverage. He also said some armed groups still act on instructions from Iran, limiting the Iraqi state’s ability to pursue national interests. Addressing regional security dynamics, Rothes said Iran seeks deterrence through a “distributed mosaic defense” strategy by dispersing missiles and drones across the region. He said rising tensions in the Strait of Hormuz could lead the United States to reconsider military options to protect international maritime trade. He also described the situation in Lebanon as difficult because of a “state within a state” structure. Rothes said the United States and Israel agree on reducing Iran’s military capabilities, but differ on the political approach that should follow.