Analyses

Dr. Cyril Widdershoven and Hazem S. Aldmour

Dec 23, 2025

Recent developments in Iraq indicate that the country stands on the threshold of a profound geopolitical and economic transformation. The recent elections are seen as a pivotal moment for reshaping regional power balances. With its vast oil and gas resources and its strategic location linking the Gulf to Turkey and Europe, Iraq is gradually becoming an arena for geo-economic competition among Iran, Turkey, and the Gulf–U.S. axis, as well as Western powers. While global actors race to invest in ports, corridors, and energy projects, Iraq’s future remains contingent on its ability to harness this competition to build stability and sustainable development.