Iran’s Qaani Visits Baghdad Amid Deepening Shiite and Kurdish Rifts

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  By Dr. Pshtiwan Faraj, SULAIMANI,   Kurdish Policy Analysis , April 22--  Iraq’s Shiite political forces failed to convene as planned to choose a candidate for the country’s next prime minister. The groups, aligned under an alliance known as the Coordination Framework, had been expected to meet Saturday evening in Baghdad to settle on a nominee, but the meeting was postponed. A source within the Coordination Framework told Alhurra that the delay came at the direct request of current Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, who informed alliance leaders that he needed an additional “24 hours” to consolidate his alliances and secure the votes of undecided members to win a second term. The “old guard” within the alliance initially rejected postponing the meeting, but political pressure pushed them to agree at the last minute. The delay, made at Sudani’s request, has raised questions about his ability to outmaneuver his rivals. Sudani is determined to secure a seco...
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Trump Halts Iran Strike, Extends Ceasefire Amid Signs of Internal Fracture in Tehran

 


U.S. pauses planned attack following request from Pakistan as Washington signals pressure strategy while awaiting a unified Iranian response

SULAIMANI, April 22 (Kurdish Policy Analysis) – U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington will delay a planned military strike on Iran and extend a ceasefire, citing internal divisions within Tehran and a diplomatic request from Pakistan’s leadership.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Trump said the decision followed appeals from Pakistan’s Army Chief Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who urged restraint as Iran’s leadership works to formulate a unified position.

“Based on the fact that the Government of Iran is seriously fractured… we have been asked to hold our attack,” Trump said, adding that U.S. forces would remain ready while maintaining pressure through continued blockade measures.

Breaking News Context

The announcement comes amid escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran following weeks of indirect confrontation across the region. While the United States had signaled readiness for direct military action, the latest move suggests a temporary strategic pause rather than de-escalation.

Trump emphasized that the ceasefire would remain in place only until Iran presents a “unified proposal,” indicating that Washington is leveraging time and pressure to extract concessions rather than abandoning military options.

Diplomatic Pressure and Regional Mediation

Pakistan’s intervention highlights growing concern among regional actors about the risk of a broader conflict. Islamabad’s outreach suggests a push to position itself as a mediator while preventing instability from spilling across borders.

The reference to internal fractures within Iran is particularly notable, signaling that Washington may be attempting to exploit divisions within the Iranian political and military establishment.

Analysis: Strategy, Not Retreat

The decision to delay strikes reflects a calibrated U.S. strategy rather than a shift in policy.

By maintaining a blockade and keeping forces on standby, Washington preserves escalation dominance while avoiding immediate conflict. This approach allows the U.S. to:

  • Pressure Iran into negotiations from a position of weakness
  • Test the cohesion of Iran’s leadership
  • Reassure allies while avoiding a costly regional war

However, the strategy carries risks. A prolonged standoff could embolden Iran-aligned militias across the region, particularly in Iraq and Syria, where indirect attacks have already intensified.

What Comes Next

Much will depend on whether Tehran can present a unified response—something Trump openly questioned. Failure to do so could trigger renewed U.S. military action.

For now, the ceasefire offers a narrow window for diplomacy, but with both sides maintaining pressure, the situation remains highly volatile.

#BreakingNews #Iran #Trump #MiddleEast #Geopolitics #USIran #Pakistan #Ceasefire #WorldNews #Crisis


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