Iraq’s energy needs become a battleground in the US-Iran dispute

Prime Minister Adil Abdel-Mahdi and his government finding themselves in the uncomfortable position of being caught between the competing interests of two powerful antagonists, as United States pressure intensifies on Baghdad to cut its ties with Iran and hand lucrative business contracts to American bidders. Iran is a vital partner because of its provision of about one-third of Iraq’s electricity requirements. On the other side, a mercantile-minded administration in Washington is looking to secure sizeable business deals in return for offering Baghdad more breathing space as it tries to pivot away from its energy dependence on Iran.