1/Many articles recently on #Iran's strategy in #Iraq shifting, with conclusions like:"..attribute Iran’s more flexible stance to pressure from US sanctions, devastating spread of coronavirus at home & death of Soleimani". There's another way to look at calculations in Tehran: https://twitter.com/ReutersIran/status/1265686955842560000

2/ #Iran's strategy in #Iraq has been rather consistent since 2003:
-ensure Iran-friendly & non-hostile actors hold power next door
-contain & eventually remove US military presence
-de facto cooperate with US when it benefits Tehran (eg. ISIS pushback)
-expand economic trade

3/ #Iran compromised on PM #Kadhimi as #Iraq's unstable politics & economy began to hinder Iran's own strategic goals. Kadhimi can
-maintain friendly gov in Baghdad
-work with DC on US troop withdrawal roadmap
-boost Iraq's economy
--> All of which directly benefit Iran