The U.S. wants to use sanctions on Iran to pry Iraq out of Tehran’s orbit but fears it could weaken the country, which is only just emerging from a three-year war against Islamic State. Too much pressure could also backfire by ultimately driving Iraq closer to Iran, officials and analysts say. The U.S. granted Baghdad a 45-day exemption from Iranian sanctions, allowing it to keep importing natural gas. But American officials acknowledge Iraq will need more time to wean itself off Iran’s power supply. Iraqi officials expect the waiver to be extended, perhaps for years. “This is a challenge for us,” said Raid Fehmi, a prominent Iraqi lawmaker. “If [the U.S.] puts too much pressure, it could destabilize us which could destabilize the region. The Americans don’t want that.” U.S. energy companies are pitching Iraq on ways to meet its own energy needs. In recent months, several have signed […]