This research delves into the influence of Iranian regional policy on the political stability of Iraq following 2003. Iran has strategically pursued its objectives in Iraq, recognizing it as a crucial arena for safeguarding its national interests, particularly in light of the American military presence and the rise of terrorism and extremist groups post-2014. These factors have posed significant threats to regional security, with reverberations affecting stability in neighboring countries, notably Iran. Consequently, Iran has actively engaged in safeguarding Iraq's political system by bolstering its security and military institutions to counter the menace of terrorist groups, aligning with its broader regional policy objectives.
Several key conclusions emerged from the study, including:
1. Iraq holds strategic importance within Iranian regional policy, serving as a focal point for securing its national interests.
2. Iran has pursued an interventionist approach aimed at mitigating the political and security vacuums in Iraq, providing support to its political framework since 2003.
3. Iran has actively contributed to anti-terrorism efforts in Iraq by bolstering security and military institutions post-2014, aiming to preserve regional security stability and avert its spillover effects on Iraq's political and security landscape.