By Hassan Falih, Iraqi writer

The question the White House is asking: “Who does Iraq stand with?” no longer requires lengthy meetings or complex intelligence reports. The answer has arrived clearly… from the heart of Baghdad, written in Persian, and sealed with the signing of a security agreement with Tehran during Ali Larijani’s visit.
An ill-timed agreement… and a subtle message to Tehran
While the world was anticipating the Trump-Putin summit in the middle of this month, hoping to chart a roadmap to end the war in Ukraine and its repercussions for the Middle East, Baghdad was proceeding on its own map… not toward Washington, but directly toward Tehran. The security agreement is not merely an understanding on borders or combating smuggling, but rather the announcement of a security and political alliance at a highly sensitive time.
Beirut said “Enough”… Baghdad said “Yes”
Larijani’s tour of the region was revealing. In Beirut, he encountered a firm rejection from the Lebanese Foreign Minister, who urged him to care for his people and leave Lebanon, a clear message against Iranian interference. In Baghdad, the scene was completely opposite: a warm welcome, the signing of an agreement, and an official statement condemning the American position rejecting the agreement, affirming that Iraq is a “sovereign state,” as if sovereignty is measured by signing agreements tailored to Iran.
A Political Gamble… and a New Chapter of Dependence
By adopting this approach, Baghdad is risking not only its relations with Washington, but also Iraq’s future as a balanced state in a turbulent regional environment. This position does not represent the Iraqi people or its national forces, nor does it even reflect the position of all parties participating in the disgraceful political process. Iraq has become a hostage to the Iranian position, far removed from the priorities and aspirations of Iraqis for independence and development.
Conclusion… A Clear Message to Washington
The current Baghdad government does not represent the real Iraq, nor the aspirations of its people, who aspire to a truly sovereign state, not subservient to any external axis. The United States must realize that the biggest strategic mistake of the last two decades was allowing Iraq to fall completely under Iranian influence. Correcting this mistake is not an option… but rather a historical necessity to restore Iraq to its natural place: an independent Arab state, active in its surroundings, and a true partner in regional stability, not a tool in the hands of an expansionist regional project.