Iranian Influence in Iraq Continues Despite Ziyadi Government Pledges

US Central Command General Brad Cooper told the US Senate in a briefing that Iraqi Prime Minister Muhammad Ziyadi had pledged to pull the country away from Iranian influence. The findings, however, said Ziyadi’s government was formed under direct Iranian pressure and that its practical steps have not matched those commitments. The briefing said Quds Force commander Ismail Kaani visited Baghdad at least twice during the government formation process. It also said the Communications Ministry was given to Mustafa Sund, described as a figure close to Kaani’s circle, giving Iran direct influence over digital infrastructure. The new government also allocated additional ministries to the Badr Organization, according to the account. Ziyadi was further said to have proposed transferring some forces into the Popular Mobilization Forces, known as Hashd al-Shaabi. The assessment portrayed the cabinet as remaining tied to Tehran’s leverage despite public promises of greater independence. It framed the issue as a test of whether Iraq’s government can translate its stated policy into actual administrative and security changes.