Paper Title
Iranian Interests In Iraq In The Post-Saddam Era

Abstract
Iran's geographical location together with its vast amount of natural resources are the main factors that drives Iran’s expansionary desire and hegemony in the Arab Gulf region. Iraq has become an essential part in the strategies of Iranian decision-makers after 2003 that has to be maintained. Iran’s top priority was that Iraq must become a part of Iran's sphere of influence in competition with the U.S. presence in the Gulf in the post-Saddam Era. Iran takes advantage of its relations with the Iraqi government formed after 2003 to achieve its political and economic goals. This paper discusses and analyzes the role of political and economic interests of Iran in Iraq in the post-Saddam Era. Keywords- Iranian interests, Political Influence, Economic Influence, Post-Saddam era