Economics
Iraq and Iran Build Economic Ties With the U.S. on the Sidelines
- Rouhani visits Baghdad to boost fight against Trump sanctions
- President triggered furor with night-time trip to Iraq base
People walk across a busy pedestrian crossing in Tehran.
Photographer: Ali Mohammadi/Bloomberg
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In the contest for Iraq’s loyalty, geography is proving irresistible.
Baghdad is being urged to take sides in the U.S.-Iran confrontation that’s escalated into one of the Middle East’s top flash-points. President Donald Trump is pushing Iraq to stop buying natural gas and electricity from its neighbor. President Hassan Rouhani wants it to purchase more to ease the pain imposed by American sanctions.