The Iraqi government is looking to gain control of Iranian-aligned armed groups that operate inside of Iraq but outside state control, in yet another sign of Iran's weakened position since October 7.

EBRIL, Kurdistan Region - Iraq requires ten billion dollars to eliminate gas flaring by 2030, deputy oil minister said on Thursday, expressing confidence that the goal could be achieved even sooner, while highlighting foreign investment as a key contributor.

Iraq will not be negatively affected by the weakening of Iran's influence in the Middle East, Iraq's deputy parliament speaker said, with Baghdad looking to chart its own diplomatic path in the region and limit the power of armed groups.

Iran holds tremendous sway inside Iraq despite the presence of US troops, setting up a tug-of-war for the incoming Trump administration.

It has been well known that Hezbollah received support from Iran’s regime; however, Hezbollah’s links to Iranian-backed militias in Iraq are not always as public.

Iran's loss of influence in Lebanon and Syria has helped to spark a shift in attitude among Arab leaders.

Contrary to claims of weakness, Iran remains a formidable actor with robust defense capabilities and significant geopolitical leverage.

Iran has never forgiven the US President for assassinating their top general and has made previous threats to avenge his death.

With the end of the final US-led coalition force in Iraq, the Iranians may feel they have a golden opportunity. But Mesopotamia has resisted Persian domination for millennia.

But they warn that, if that fails, Iran is on a collision course with the west. European powers that opposed Trump’s maximum pressure during his first term have become more angry with Iran’s behaviour, including the continued expansion of its nuclear activity, its arms sales to Russia and its alleged targeting of citizens in the west.

Amid historical changes in the balance of power in the Middle East, at least one thing remains constant: the strategic importance of the autonomous region of Iraqi Kurdistan.

If they are injured or killed, Donald Trump will be the one person responsible — a black mark against him that time will not erase.