Anti-U.S. attacks bring new phase of security challenges for Iraq

Iran-backed militant groups are conducting regular attacks on U.S. interests in Iraq, creating a difficult political balancing act for a Baghdad government built on the support of Iran-aligned political parties but also economically dependent on the U.S.

The opposing pressures on Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani have for the moment yielded an uneasy status quo characterized by a steady tempo of rocket and drone strikes on American targets, occasional U.S. retaliations and threats, and a growing consensus in Baghdad that nobody is interested in intensifying or broadening the hostilities.

“We don't think there will be any escalation,” a senior Interior Ministry official said. “Both the Americans and the armed groups know how to play the game, and there are limits that both don't want to reach.”