Baghdad — Former prime minister of Iraq Haidar Al-Abadi expressed his fear that the victory over Daesh, the elimination of sectarianism, and the country’s hard-fought sovereignty and security could be sacrificed at the hands of foreign intervention.

In a televised statement on Al-Sharqiya, Abadi, who is also president of the Al-Nasr coalition, blamed Iran for meddling in Iraq’s political structure, which he claims prevented him from winning a second term.

"I believe that Iran impeded my chance of a second term because of my commitment to the US sanctions on Tehran,” he said.

"The Iranians had started to feel threatened by me at this point, hence their support towards the current prime minister," he added.

He also raised concerns over Iraq’s national security.

Iraqis on Monday marked a year since the country declared victory against the Daesh group.

A year ago, Abadi announced the conclusion of a three-year battle to oust Daesh.

It was "the biggest victory against the forces of evil and terrorism," said Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi on Monday, speaking at a ceremony at the ministry of defense.

But beyond the celebrations, the country remains mired in crisis.

Parliamentary elections in May produced no clear ruling coalition, with political divisions paralyzing Abdel Mahdi's efforts to fill key cabinet positions.

The challenges extend beyond the political. Much of the country remains in ruins, including large swathes of the north, as authorities struggle to gather funds to rebuild.

More than 1.8 million Iraqis are still displaced, many languishing in camps, and 8 million require humanitarian aid, according to the Norwegian Refugee Council. — Agencies