U.S. Pushes Iraq to Wean Itself Off Iranian Energy

Washington wants to drive a wedge between the two countries as part of an effort to curb Tehran’s influence

Isabel Coles in Erbil, Iraq, and

Benoit Faucon in London

Nov. 23, 2018 5:30 a.m. ET

The U.S. is pressuring Iraq to sever extensive energy ties to Iran, enlisting American companies and allies such as Saudi Arabia to develop alternatives and drive a commercial wedge between Baghdad and Tehran.

The push is part of a broader American effort to curb Iran’s influence in Iraq, where a 900-mile border, economic ties and Shiite Muslim majorities have created closer ties between the former enemies since the 2003 U.S. invasion. Despite its position as a major oil producer, Iraq relies on Iran for natural gas that...