What US-Iran rapprochement could mean for Iraq

WASHINGTON, United States — The US-Iran confrontation, shaped since the 1979 Iranian Revolution by disputes over Tehran's nuclear program and regional influence, has defined much of Iraq's modern history. Iraq, which fought an eight-year war with Iran from 1980 to 1988, endured more than a decade of sanctions after the 1991 Gulf War and faced further instability after 2003, making it one of the countries most affected by the wider rivalry. Iraq's geographic position leaves it directly exposed to shifts between Washington and Tehran. More than 90% of state revenue comes from oil exports shipped through the Persian Gulf, leaving the country vulnerable to any disruption in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran, meanwhile, has weathered sanctions, reduced foreign investment and constrained oil sales while preserving its state structure and seeking alternative partners. A potential US-Iran agreement could ease sanctions, return Iranian oil to global markets and reduce Gulf tensions. For Iraq, that would open room for increased investment, more secure energy exports and a possible shift from being a battleground to serving as a diplomatic bridge between the two sides.