Analysis of the U.S.-Iranian rivalry behind the Tikrit op. It was originally planned by Iran and the Hashd forces without even including the govt. When PM Abadi heard about it the Iraqi forces were added. Iran wanted a victory over a major urban area of Iraq without the U.S. Offensive started out well, but then stalled when Tikrit core reached. Led to debate over what to do with ISF & Abadi getting Coalition air strikes. Defeat for Iran's plans but just one move in the rivalry between the two powers in Iraq. Read more here.