Iran's Position on Iraq's Participation in the New Silk Road (Belt and Road)

This article has examined the nature of competition over interests as a phenomenon inherent in state policies and analyzes its implications in the context of China's Belt and Road Initiative, which aims to redraw the route of the historic Silk Road with a more comprehensive and expansive vision. It has focused on Iran's position on Iraq's participation in this initiative, in light of the important economic and political opportunities it holds for Iraq and the challenges it faces as a result of regional competition. The article concludes that Iran, despite its declared support for Iraq's accession to the initiative, seeks to define its role within its strategic vision so that it plays a complementary and pivotal role that strengthens its regional position, without becoming an alternative or competitor to it. It also emphasizes the need for Iraqi decision-makers to define a clear and specific approach to the initiative, ensuring that national gains are maximized while taking into account regional interests.