By Maha El Dahan, Timour Azhari and Humeyra Pamuk DUBAI/WASHINGTON, Jan 23 - Washington has threatened senior Iraqi politicians with sanctions targeting the Iraqi state - including potentially its critical oil revenues - should armed groups backed by Iran be included in the next government,

Already, Iran has vastly limited its subsidized currency rates to cut down on corruption. It also has offered the equivalent of $7 a month to most people in the country to cover rising costs. However, Iran’s people have seen the rial fall from a rate of 32,000 to $1 just a decade ago — which has devoured the value of their savings.

Baghdad’s choice of U.S. partners suggests a cautious realignment, but its durability depends on scaling Akkas

Tehran and its regional proxy groups have threatened retaliation against the United States and Israel as Washington moves additional military assets into the Middle East after the regime’s lethal crackdown on protesters.

Such a government won't achieve Iraqi and Syrian aspirations 'for a brighter future,' says envoy Tom Barrack - Anadolu Ajansı

Marco Rubio’s call with Mohammed Shia al-Sudani comes as new government expected in Iraq, US-Iran tensions rise.

Fears grow of potential US strike against Tehran amid rising tensions following anti-government protests in Iran - Anadolu Ajansı