…based on its six years of wide ranging activities, the perception of Iran in Iraq is one of a state that follows interventionist policies. Many Iraqis fear that the nature of the Iranian interference in Iraq is expansionist and aimed at eventual regional hegemony. It is only natural that Iraqis are wary of Iran’s motives, considering the stakes involved in letting Iran expand its economic, political and cultural influence in their country, infringing on their sovereignty, unity and security.. Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari acknowledged Iran was influential in Iraq. “They have influence, I have to be honest,” Zebari told Agence France Press.
