Expected visit of Prime Minister Muhammad Shia Al-Sudani to Washington in the next few days before the electoral eligibility
US-Iraq communications resume... and Al-Sudani is on his way to Washington, had it not been for the "factional stalemate."
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Tsurkov's release and quick handshake with Trump paved the way
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani is likely to visit Washington in the coming days, ahead of the elections scheduled for next November. This move, according to political sources, could be considered a painful electoral blow to his domestic opponents.
These expectations are based on what can be described as a return to warmth in Iraqi-American relations after a period of nearly four months of coldness, which finally ended with a phone call between al-Sudani and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday evening.
However, these moves remain hostage to the "armed factions" complex, as Baghdad has not yet succeeded in meeting the basic US condition of disarming Iranian-backed groups, despite fulfilling a previous condition, namely the release of Israeli researcher Tzurkov.
The US State Department announced last Tuesday evening that Secretary Marco Rubio had held a phone call with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, during which they discussed economic issues related to the oil sector and the disarmament of militias.
However, the Iraqi government's statement on the call avoided mentioning the security issue related to the armed factions, merely emphasizing economic aspects and bilateral cooperation. The text of the statement published yesterday warns against any unilateral steps Washington might take outside the framework of communication and consultation.
This warning likely reflects the government's concerns about the possibility of launching "military strikes" or imposing new "economic sanctions" on individuals and institutions linked to armed factions, indicating Baghdad's sensitivity in managing the balance between international obligations and pressures from local powers.
The US State Department statement added: "The Secretary and the Prime Minister discussed efforts to complete US business deals in Iraq. The Secretary congratulated the Prime Minister on the resumption of oil exports through the Iraq-Turkey pipeline, which will benefit Iraq, Turkey, and US companies."
The Secretary emphasized the importance of disarming Iranian-backed militias that undermine Iraq's sovereignty, threaten the lives and interests of Americans and Iraqis, and plunder Iraq's resources for Iran.
According to the US State Department, the Secretary reaffirmed the United States' commitment to working closely with Iraqi partners to advance our shared interests: protecting Iraq's sovereignty, supporting regional stability, and strengthening our economic ties.
A timeline of events
: The last contact between Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and the US Secretary of State was last August, during which the latter discussed the attacks targeting energy facilities in the Kurdistan Region, in addition to the issue of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) law, which Baghdad had backed down from implementing.
The call was seen at the time as an expression of clear US objection to the renewed escalation of armed groups' activity, following a series of attacks targeting oil facilities in the Kurdistan Region last July.
The call came amid Washington's dissatisfaction with Baghdad's reneging on previous promises, which included a plan to integrate armed factions into the political process and transform them into civilian entities or legal parties, rather than continuing them as parallel forces to state institutions.
According to political sources, this American position revealed a chill in relations between Baghdad and Washington, which began to dissipate gradually after the release of controversial Israeli researcher Tsurkov.
This contact preceded US President Donald Trump's decision to send his new envoy to Baghdad, Mark Savaya, an Iraqi Christian.
Savaya is believed to have played a pivotal role in securing Tsurkov's release without compensation, revitalizing relations between Baghdad and Washington.
The first signs of a warming relationship between Baghdad and Washington appeared during the famous handshake between US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani at the Sharm el-Sheikh conference last week.
The US president's remarks at the conference about "Iraq's oil" attracted considerable attention, as observers viewed them as a clear indication of Washington's direct interest in the Iraqi economic situation.
Based on these developments, it is believed that Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani will soon visit Washington in the days remaining before the elections, scheduled for less than twenty days, according to political sources who spoke to Al-Mada.
This visit, if it actually happens, is an indicator of the prime minister's rising political standing, as it could strengthen his standing with his domestic opponents and highlight his role in strengthening strategic relations with Washington, particularly on oil, investment, and controlling armed factions.
For
his part, Ghazi Faisal, a former diplomat, said that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's call with the prime minister is an indication of "the return of communication between Baghdad and Washington, and constitutes an extension of the quick handshake that took place between Trump and al-Sudani during the Sharm el-Sheikh conference."
He added to Al-Mada: "There is a degree of détente, but this détente is still conditional on principles set by Washington regarding Iraq, related to the armed factions, which America considers, as Rubio indicated, a cause or means of plundering Iraq's wealth, impoverishing the Iraqi people, transferring this wealth and money to Iran, and linking these factions to the Iranian strategy in the region."
Faisal emphasized that Rubio's position on disarming the factions will not change, adding that it is one of Washington's fundamental strategic directions given the nature of the confrontation between the factions and America.
Faisal pointed out that the leaders of these factions constantly declare their resistance to the US presence in Iraq and US influence in the region, continuing to attack the US embassy with Katyusha rockets before the truce that began several months ago, and targeting economic interests and oil companies in the Kurdistan Region.
Faisal, who also heads the Iraqi Center for Strategic Studies, believes that the continued presence of the armed factions means that Iraq remains under the US emergency law, which is renewed annually by the president, warning American investors, companies, and even individuals against coming to Iraq, considering it an unsafe country.
He added that dismantling the factions represents an exceptional priority and a strategic goal from the US perspective, allowing American and other companies to come to Iraq and creating real opportunities for investment in developing services and industry.
He concluded that without ensuring real security and stability, American companies will not invest in Iraq.
Nechirvan Barzani receives a message from Trump
US President Donald Trump expressed his thanks and appreciation to Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani for his efforts to promote peace and peaceful coexistence, and his endeavors to end conflicts in the Middle East.
The Kurdistan Region Presidency stated in a statement received by Shafaq News Agency on Wednesday evening that Barzani received a letter from the US President on Tuesday evening, thanking him for his efforts and endeavors to achieve peace. He also stressed the importance of ending disputes and tensions in the Middle East.
In his message, Trump emphasized that the nations of the world are capable of overcoming old differences and moving toward a shared future of peace, success, and progress.
The US President expressed his personal commitment and that of his administration to supporting efforts to achieve sustainable peace and end conflicts and violence in the region and the world.
He concluded his message by conveying his greetings and best wishes to the President of the Kurdistan Region, Nechirvan Barzani, and his family.
Ending differences and stopping wars in the Middle East.. Nechirvan Barzani receives a message from Donald Trump
Kurdistan Regional President Nechirvan Barzani received a letter from US President Donald Trump, in which he stressed the need to "end differences" in the Middle East.
A statement by the Presidency of the Kurdistan Region, a copy of which was received by Al-Jabal, stated, "Last night (Tuesday, October 21, 2025), the President of the Kurdistan Region, Nechirvan Barzani, received a message from the President of the United States of America, Donald Trump".
The statement added, "In his message, President Trump thanked the President of the Kurdistan Region for his support for his efforts to achieve peace, and stressed the importance of ending differences and complications in the Middle East".
President Trump stressed in the letter, according to the statement, that "the countries of the world can overcome old differences and move toward a common future of peace and prosperity."
The statement continued, "Trump also affirmed his insistence and the insistence of his administration on consolidating lasting peace, ending complications in the Middle East, and stopping wars and bloodshed in the region and the entire world".
The statement concluded, "Trump extended his greetings and appreciation to the President of the Kurdistan Region and his family, wishing them good luck and success".
Central Bank Governor from Duhok University: Financial inclusion is a key pillar of sustainable development
His Excellency the Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq, Mr. Ali Mohsen Al-Alaq, emphasized that financial inclusion represents a fundamental pillar for achieving sustainable economic and social development. He pointed out that enabling citizens to access formal financial services contributes to promoting social justice and building trust with financial institutions.
This came during his speech at the Financial Inclusion Conference, organized by the University of Duhok - College of Administration and Economics, under the theme "Towards a Promising Sustainable Financial Environment Through the Empowerment and Adoption of Modern Electronic Payment Technologies and the Promotion of Financial Inclusion."
His Excellency explained that the Central Bank is working within the National Financial Inclusion Strategy 2025-2029 to expand the base of beneficiaries of financial services, empower women and youth, and promote the transition to electronic payments. He emphasized the Central Bank's continued development of the digital payments infrastructure, support for financial innovation, and spread financial literacy in cooperation with universities and educational institutions.
The conference included a large exhibition in which numerous banking and non-banking financial institutions participated. The conference also included an expanded discussion session that addressed financial inclusion and its impact on monetary and fiscal policy, in addition to the government's role in raising financial inclusion indicators and enhancing economic stability.Central Bank of Iraq
Media Office
From banking decisions to a lack of spending, an expert explains the market stagnation.
Speaking to Al Furat News Agency, he confirmed that "government spending drives projects, their funding, and provincial programs, all of which are at a standstill, as the government is indebted to contractors and farmers."
He added, "The exchange rate is linked to the Central Bank's measures, the audit process, and sanctions imposed by the US Federal Reserve, in addition to the fall of the regime in Syria and restrictions on trade in Iran, which have led to the stability of the dollar exchange rate."
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Secret pledge in Sharm el-Sheikh: Al-Sudani promises Washington to sever ties with Tehran
Former minister and MP Wael Abdul Latif confirmed that Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani pledged to the US administration during the Sharm el-Sheikh meetings to end relations with Iran and close the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) and armed factions files, in exchange for Washington's support for his second term.
In a statement monitored by the Jarida Platform, Abdel Latif said, "The Prime Minister has clearly expressed his willingness to move away from the Iranian axis in exchange for political support from the United States to renew his term," noting that this pledge was one of the most prominent topics of the meetings held on the sidelines of the Sharm el-Sheikh summit.
He added that "US envoy Mark Savaya did not come to Iraq to survey or sleep, but rather to follow up on sensitive issues related to the Popular Mobilization Forces, armed factions, and the Iraqi economy," noting that "his presence reflects profound political and security implications, paving the way for a new phase in the relationship between Baghdad and Washington."
In exchange for a second term, a political deal between Al-Sudani and the United States aims to resolve three contentious issues
An official source in Anbar province revealed on Wednesday a political deal struck between Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and American officials during his participation in the Sharm el-Sheikh summit. The deal stipulates the resolution of a number of sensitive disputed issues in exchange for American support for a second term.
The source told Al-Maalouma news agency, “Al-Sudani met with senior officials in the US administration on the sides of the summit and expressed his willingness to deal with three thorny issues, including: dissolving the Popular Mobilization Forces, ending the role of resistance factions, and easing relations with Iran, in addition to recognizing and supporting the two-state solution plan that includes recognizing Israel alongside Palestine.”
He added that "Al-Sudani made pledges to facilitate the entry of American companies to invest in Iraqi oil and gas fields, and to provide them with full security protection projects during the implementation of across all governorates."
The source indicated that "Al-Sudani expressed his willingness to make extensive concessions on a number of internal and regional issues, as part of his quest to obtain direct American support to renew his government term," stressing that "this political offer was made in exchange for remaining in power."
Al-Sudani reviews the government's achievements before the Salah al-Din crowds: We build before we speak.
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani presented the achievements of three years of work in the construction and development sectors to the Salah al-Din audience, emphasizing the slogan "We build before we speak."
Highlights of the Prime Minister's speech during the election ceremony held today in Salah al-Din Governorate:
The Reconstruction and Development Coalition is a map of unwavering high spirits. It is a cry with which we mobilize determination to address the accumulations and make a difference in the street, school, hospital, field, and factory. This is the image of the Reconstruction and Development Coalition.
What unites us in reconstruction and development is our love for Iraq, our loyalty to this good country, and our commitment to its honorable people: to serve them, protect their interests, and keep them at the forefront of our minds in every decision and every step.
When we say "Iraq First," we mean this slogan because it is a behavior and a working method that we must adhere to. We have put Iraq first in all our decisions and policies because the strength of the state is measured by what we achieve in terms of reality that touches people's lives.
Iraq First means that we build before we speak, and that we plan before we make promises. The sovereignty, prestige, and strength of any country begin with ensuring the dignity of the citizen and ensuring social justice.
Just as Saladin was a land of heroism and sacrifice in the face of terrorism, it will also be a field of construction, reconstruction, and development.
Salah al-Din Governorate has suffered greatly from a lack of planning and vision, mismanagement, and corruption. I have visited this governorate several times and found a painful reality regarding services. This places a double responsibility on us to shorten the time and reduce the suffering of our people in this dear, sacrificing governorate.
We are committed to all projects, including construction and development, as well as security and community stability projects. We are committed to the honorable and respected return of all displaced persons to their homes. We have begun these measures and they will continue.
In Salah al-Din, we have development success stories. We reconstructed and operated the Baiji refinery, and from there we set out to achieve self-sufficiency in petroleum derivatives.
Project after project in this location, today we are facing an oil industrial city, and what we are planning soon is to start projects related to fertilizers and petrochemicals, and this will be a large industrial city on the regional level.
In Salah al-Din, development projects were launched without delay, and we began addressing projects that have been stalled for years. We are developing solutions to this heavy legacy that has negatively impacted the level of service provided to citizens. We began with hospital projects in Dujail, Ad-Dour, Samarra, and Al-Tawz.
We have included the largest infrastructure project for the city of Samarra and have begun work on the judicial complexes in the governorate's districts. We have also opened 113 new schools, and there are approximately 180 other buildings under construction and implementation.
We approved additional infrastructure projects for Salah al-Din Governorate worth 412 billion dinars, from the Baiji sewage project, to the Dujail treatment plant, to the main lines in the Siniya district, its water project, and the expansion of some hospitals.
These projects are not a favor or a favor, but rather a duty on the part of the state and all its institutions, including its federal government and local governments, which we support in order to provide services to citizens.
For three years, we have worked exceptionally hard to restore the lost trust between the people, the political system, and the political process, after citizens had reached a point where they were waiting for a simple service project that was at the core of the concerns of the state and its institutions.
The process of reconstruction, development, and provision of services to citizens must continue. There must be effective and informed participation in the elections, so that there will be no return to the production of failed and corrupt projects.
We stand before the people of Salah al-Din, and we say with confidence that what we began in three years is the foundation for a greater phase of development and reconstruction, and with your will, we will continue on the path toward a just and stable Iraq that guarantees the rights of all its people.
Domestic debt is worrisome. Its interest rates are high and its risks to banks and businesses are greater.
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Details of expert Manar Al-Abidi
Economic expert Munir Al-Obaidi said that Iraq's internal debt ratio, at around 39%, is considered lower than the critical ratio set by many countries at 50%, when compared to the country's GDP, which amounts to approximately 230 trillion dinars. However, he warns of its danger because Iraq's GDP depends on oil, which constitutes 65% of it, meaning that the decline in oil prices will exacerbate the severity of the debt. He noted that the interest rate, which amounts to 10%, is a high percentage that burdens the general budget with additional expenses, according to Al-Obaidi, who pointed to the lack of investment investment of the debt, as it weakens the growth of non-oil sectors that the economy needs to achieve diversification. He pointed out that the rise in internal debt negatively affects the private sector, as a result of shrinking financing opportunities, and the safety and sustainability of the banking system.
Why worry about internal debt?
Recent days have witnessed widespread media coverage of the domestic debt and its extent, raising legitimate questions about whether this debt poses a real threat to the national economy and, if so, the nature of this threat.
In order to understand the picture accurately, we must analyze the subject from several interconnected angles:
First: The size of the debt relative to the gross domestic product
The danger of domestic debt lies not in its absolute value, but rather in its ratio to GDP. According to data from the Central Bureau of Statistics, Iraq's GDP amounts to approximately 230 trillion dinars, making the ratio of domestic debt to GDP around 39%, which is lower than the critical 50% threshold set by many countries.
But the concern here stems from the composition of GDP itself, as more than 65% of it relies on the oil sector. If oil prices decline, GDP will shrink, raising the debt-to-GDP ratio even if the debt level remains constant, further exacerbating the risk.
Second: High interest cost
One of the most significant challenges is the high interest rates on domestic debt instruments. Recent bonds were issued with an annual interest rate of nearly 10%, a high rate that could burden the general budget with additional expenditures, especially if oil revenues decline. Over time, the government may find itself facing a financing burden that will be difficult to sustain.
Third: The deflationary impact on economic activity
Government bonds represent a contractionary policy tool. When the state resorts to borrowing from banks at high interest rates, these banks' appetite for financing productive projects diminishes. This means that the private sector will be negatively affected by the shrinking financing opportunities, limiting its ability to contribute to economic growth.
Fourth: The absence of investment investment of debt.
Domestic debt is not a problem in and of itself if it is directed toward strategic and service-oriented projects that create added value and job opportunities. However, when it is used solely to cover the operating deficit, it becomes a burden that hinders the state's ability to increase investment spending, thus weakening the growth of the non-oil sectors the economy needs to achieve diversification.
Fifth: The impact of government debt on the banking system
Government debt rose by 116% over the course of a year, reaching 13% of total banking system assets, up from just 6% in 2024. This rapid expansion poses risks to the soundness and sustainability of the banking system, increasing its exposure to sovereign risks and limiting its flexibility to finance other economic activities.
Concerns about domestic debt relate not only to its size, but also to the nature of its use, structure, cost, and impact on the overall economic environment. Therefore, managing domestic debt requires a comprehensive approach that takes these factors into account before embarking on any new debt expansion.
Victoria Taylor: Trump’s Appointment of Mark Savaya Signals Renewed U.S. Focus on Iraq
“The Kurdistan Regional Government and the Kurdistan Region remain important partners for the United States,” she said.
– Victoria Taylor, former U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary for Iraq and Iran, told Kurdistan24 on Tuesday that the appointment of Mark Savaya as the new U.S. Special Envoy to Iraq reflects President Donald Trump’s approach to foreign policy—emphasizing political trust, economic engagement, and pragmatic partnerships across the Middle East.
“I think the appointment of the special envoy is consistent with how the Trump administration approaches foreign policy,” Taylor said. “We’ve seen similar appointments to Syria and other areas, which reflects the administration’s preference for appointing trusted political figures and allies to key positions.”
Taylor described Savaya’s appointment as a continuation of the administration’s trend of empowering politically aligned envoys to focus U.S. attention on specific regions. “It’s positive that Mark Savaya is an Iraqi American who appears to have some familiarity with Iraq,” she noted, adding that his background as a businessman suggests he may prioritize economic cooperation and investment opportunities.
She emphasized that President Trump’s policy toward Iraq continues to center on fostering economic ties, particularly in the energy sector. “We’ve seen recent deals signed by Chevron and Exxon—positive developments that can strengthen U.S.–Iraq cooperation,” Taylor said.
On the security front, Taylor dismissed speculation about a U.S. military withdrawal, clarifying that the United States still maintains troops in the Kurdistan Region and remains committed to ongoing security coordination with both the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and the federal government in Baghdad. “This is more of a transition than a withdrawal,” she said. “I expect continued security cooperation moving forward.”
Addressing regional tensions, Taylor said U.S. military action against militia groups is unlikely unless they directly threaten U.S. or Israeli interests. “We’ve gone a long period without militia strikes against U.S. personnel, and the best way for them to avoid being targeted is simply to stop launching attacks,” she stated.
Taylor concluded by reaffirming Washington’s enduring partnership with Erbil. “The Kurdistan Regional Government and the Kurdistan Region remain important partners for the United States,” she said. “This partnership is built on shared interests and continues to serve both sides well.”
Iran to Al-Araji: Washington is planning to occupy Iraq
The Chief of the General Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, Major General Abdul Rahim Mousavi, stressed during his meeting with Iraqi National Security Advisor Qassem Al-Araji, on Wednesday, the necessity of fully implementing the security agreement between Tehran and Baghdad, warning —as he put it— of an American plan to occupy Iraq.
He said, "The recent attacks attributed to the United States and Israel on Iran revealed intentions to control Iraqi airspace and territory", according to what was followed by the "Al-Sa'a" network.
Al-Araji reiterated the specificity of Iraqi-Iranian relations, and the commitment of the Iraqi government and the Kurdistan Regional Government to the terms of the security agreement, including preventing the use of Iraqi territory to harm the security of neighboring countries.
The Kurdistan Region Interior Minister, who attended the meeting, stated the region's determination to continue implementing the agreement, including disarming anti-Iranian groups in northern Iraq, and not allowing the region's territory to be used for any activities targeting the Islamic Republic
A reassuring message from Tehran: “Iraq will not be a threat arena”.. An Iraqi praises Al-Araji's visit
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi confirmed, on Wednesday evening (October 22, 2025), that Iraq and Iran fully agree to reject turning Iraqi territory into a starting point for any threat against the Islamic Republic, noting that the visit of Iraqi National Security Advisor Qasim Al-Araji to Tehran came within the framework of strengthening security coordination between the two countries.
Araqchi said in a press statement translated by “Baghdad Today”, that “Al-Araji's visit came at the invitation of the Secretary of the Iranian National Security Council, Ali Larijani, during which fruitful meetings took place that addressed ways to enhance security cooperation and ensure the stability of the common borders between the two countries”.
He added that “the two sides discussed in detail the mechanisms for implementing the existing security agreement more effectively, and dealing with common challenges, especially in sensitive border areas”, stressing that “there is a clear political will from Baghdad and Tehran to consolidate stability and prevent any security breach that harms the interests of both parties”.
Araqchi explained that “Al-Araji stressed during the meetings that Iraq will never allow its territory to be used as a platform for any activity that threatens Iran's security”, pointing out that “cooperation between the two countries is moving in the right direction and in a spirit of mutual trust”.
He pointed out that “the results of the visit strengthened political and security understanding between the two sides, and reaffirmed the depth of ties between Tehran and Baghdad in the face of current regional challenges”.
It is noteworthy that Al-Araji continues his visit to Tehran for the second day, where he met with a number of senior Iranian leaders and officials, including President Masoud Pezeshkian, Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, Secretary of the National Security Council Ali Larijani, Speaker of Parliament Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, Commander of the Revolutionary Guard Major General Mohammad Pakpour, and Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces Major General Abdul Rahim Mousavi.
Al-Araji's visit to Tehran comes amid escalating regional tensions between Iran and Israel, and ongoing controversy over the US military presence in Iraq.
Observers confirm that security coordination between Baghdad and Tehran represents a pivotal element in protecting the borders and preventing the infiltration of armed groups, especially after the recent war that witnessed limited confrontations between Iran and Israel.
Baghdad is "walking" on a fine rope! A reading of Al-Araji's visit to Iran and the path of balance between Washington and Tehran - urgent
Political science professor Khalifa Al-Tamimi confirmed today, Wednesday (October 22, 2025), that Iraq seeks to create a delicate balance between Iranian and American interests, noting that the visit of National Security Advisor Qasim Al-Araji to Tehran comes within this sensitive path that Baghdad has been trying to follow for years.
Al-Tamimi told ”Baghdad Today” that “Iraq represents a central arena where Iranian and American interests intersect, and the government is trying to deal with this reality with a high degree of caution and flexibility, to avoid any undesirable repercussions or clashes internally or regionally”.
He added that “the White House's appointment of a special representative to manage American interests in Baghdad instead of the traditional embassy reflects a shift in Washington's way of managing its relationship with Iraq, and may indicate that the relationship between the two countries has entered a new phase of a more direct and sensitive nature”.
Al-Tamimi explained that “the latest data reveals American red lines related to reducing the level of cooperation between Baghdad and Tehran, in addition to files related to the Popular Mobilization Forces and internal security issues”, explaining that “this development puts the Iraqi government before a real challenge in maintaining the balance of its regional relations”.
He pointed out that “Al-Araji's visit to Tehran at this time carries a strategic dimension, as it is likely that Baghdad is seeking to present its own vision regarding the form of the next relationship between the three parties, Iraq, Iran, and the United States, in light of its endeavor to play the role of mediator, not the arena of conflict”.
Al-Tamimi concluded by saying that “Tehran is fully aware of the nature of Iraq's position and the complexities of its position, and may see this visit as an opportunity to open indirect channels of understanding with Washington, which go beyond the Iraqi file to broader issues related to sanctions and regional calm, especially after the escalation of tension witnessed in the middle of this year”.
Al-Araji's visit to Tehran comes at a time when the region is witnessing a redrawing of the equations of American and Iranian influence in Iraq, coinciding with indications of a change in the American approach to managing relations with Baghdad after the White House announced the appointment of a special representative to replace the ambassador.
Observers believe that this transformation places Iraq before a double challenge, between maintaining its strategic balance without losing either party, and at the same time protecting its national interests amid the influence race between Washington and Tehran.
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