Iraqi analysts weigh potential fallout of US-Iran deal on Baghdad

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraqi political analysts are assessing the potential implications for Baghdad of a US-Iran agreement announced with Pakistani mediation, which covers the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, the lifting of a maritime blockade and a 60-day nuclear negotiation process. Imad Musafir, an analyst close to the Will Coalition (Al-Irada), said Baghdad is directly affected by regional conflicts and that decision-makers should use the agreement in line with national interests. Dr. Ihsan Shammari of the University of Baghdad argued the deal could create a supportive environment for consolidating arms under state control and could enable Iraq to export an additional 1.4 to 1.5 million barrels of oil per day via Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Syria and Turkey. Dr. Haytham Hayati of the University of Exeter in the United Kingdom said the agreement remains fragile and that its effects on Iraq will be shaped by Washington's role in the country and the plan being pursued by US special envoy Tom Barrack. Analyst Ali Baider said the deal could strengthen the investment environment and reduce the use of Iraqi territory as a conflict zone. No official Iraqi government statement on the agreement was reported.