Resistance Wins, West Loses: The Election That Rewired Iraq’s Political Future

In the aftermath of Iraq’s latest parliamentary elections and the release of final results, one reality has resurfaced with unmistakable clarity: the political forces aligned with the doctrine of resistance have once again asserted their central role in shaping Iraq’s national trajectory.

These elections, which ended with a clear victory for parties supportive of resistance-oriented politics, sent a firm message to the United States and its regional partners. Washington’s representatives in Iraq had repeatedly warned Baghdad’s political class to distance themselves from resistance movements and adopt a Western-modeled political future. The election results now provide a decisive answer to those threats.

This report evaluates Iraq’s 2025 elections as a test of sovereignty and regional balance.


Tradition and Transformation

The electoral battleground reflected a familiar tension: traditional parties versus reform-driven, justice-seeking movements. Western think tanks had long assumed that Iraq’s rising youth participation signaled a shift away from tribal and communal identity. That assumption proved wrong.
Despite the attempted boycott of certain factions, voter participation grew meaningfully, and Shia resistance-aligned blocs increased their parliamentary reach. The clash between traditionalism and reform is here to stay, and neither force is on the verge of disappearing.


The Proportional System and the Legitimacy Question

A return to Iraq’s proportional electoral system was meant to strengthen coalition coherence, though Western media insisted turnout would fall. Yet participation rose by 11 percent compared with the previous 45 percent.
For all its flaws, the proportional system has earned public trust, and the growing voter turnout reinforces that legitimacy.


Defending National Sovereignty

Foreign interference, especially from the United States and the Israeli regime, continues to threaten Iraq’s political independence. The U.S. special representative in Iraq openly meddled for months, attempting to ignite political turmoil that was ultimately neutralized by Iraqi public awareness.

Given Iraq’s sociopolitical structure, the country needs large, platform-driven national parties rather than personality-based factions. Lebanon’s political experience offers lessons for Iraq as it evolves its governance model.


Unity of People, Clergy, and Resistance

The alignment of religious authority, the Iraqi public, and resistance forces remains the backbone of electoral stability. The success of resistance-aligned parties underscores their essential role in securing Iraq’s political future.


The Resistance Axis and Regional Cooperation

Iraq’s strategic ties with the regional resistance axis (Iran, Lebanon, Yemen, and Palestine) can offer a viable alternative to Western dependency. Tehran has consistently proven itself a reliable ally to Baghdad during difficult times.
The incoming Iraqi government can help advance the wider development vision of the resistance front. The election outcome is likely to further regional cooperation across West Asia.

Expelling Foreign Forces

A genuinely national Iraqi government must take concrete steps toward removing foreign military forces from the country. True sovereignty will only be realized when foreign troops leave and Baghdad is free to make decisions without Western pressure.

In essence, the 2025 elections marked a critical phase in Iraq’s political re-structuring. Washington and its allies will undoubtedly seek retribution. After all their warnings, the very groups they insisted must be sidelined are now empowered. For the Trump administration, this result is nothing short of a political shock.


Translated by Ashraf Hemmati from the original Persian article written by Amir Ali Yegane



1. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/11/12/iraqi-pm-al-sudanis-coalition-comes-first-in-parliamentary-election
2. https://apnews.com/article/iraq-election-boycott-sadr-parliament-9254f80e8b53b7786f15c93926b21095
3. https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/coalition-led-by-iraqi-pm-sudani-comes-first-iraqs-parliamentary-election-two-2025-11-12/