The Iraqi government is looking to gain control of Iranian-aligned armed groups that operate inside of Iraq but outside state control, in yet another sign of Iran's weakened position since October 7.

Amid historical changes in the balance of power in the Middle East, at least one thing remains constant: the strategic importance of the autonomous region of Iraqi Kurdistan.

Iraq will not be negatively affected by the weakening of Iran's influence in the Middle East, Iraq's deputy parliament speaker said, with Baghdad looking to chart its own diplomatic path in the region and limit the power of armed groups.

Iran's loss of influence in Lebanon and Syria has helped to spark a shift in attitude among Arab leaders.

Iran holds tremendous sway inside Iraq despite the presence of US troops, setting up a tug-of-war for the incoming Trump administration.

If they are injured or killed, Donald Trump will be the one person responsible — a black mark against him that time will not erase.

Contrary to claims of weakness, Iran remains a formidable actor with robust defense capabilities and significant geopolitical leverage.

Curt Mills, the executive director of "The American Conservative" magazine, speaks with Tucker Carlson about the failures of the U.S. foreign policy establishment, especially with regard to the push among modern-day neo-conservatives to push for a war with Iran.

But they warn that, if that fails, Iran is on a collision course with the west. European powers that opposed Trump’s maximum pressure during his first term have become more angry with Iran’s behaviour, including the continued expansion of its nuclear activity, its arms sales to Russia and its alleged targeting of citizens in the west.

With the end of the final US-led coalition force in Iraq, the Iranians may feel they have a golden opportunity. But Mesopotamia has resisted Persian domination for millennia.

Iran has never forgiven the US President for assassinating their top general and has made previous threats to avenge his death.

About 2,500 US troops remain in Iraq with a focus on assisting partners with countering ISIS. Iran holds tremendous sway with Iraqi armed groups and government leaders. Iraq looms as a complex ...