NEW: An unprecedented leak of hundreds of secret Iranian intelligence reports and cables reveals the country's shadow war for influence in Iraq — and the battle within Iran's own spy divisions. This article was reported in partnership with @TheIntercept. nyti.ms/2NTXOKH
@theintercept The leak contains hundreds of cables sent by MOIS, Iran's version of the CIA, from 2014 to 2015 and details work by Iranian spies to co-opt Iraq’s leaders, pay Iraqi agents working for the U.S. to switch sides and infiltrate every aspect of political, economic and religious life.
@theintercept According to the reports, many of Iraq's foremost political, military, and security officials have had secret relationships with Tehran, including Prime Minister Adil Abdul Mahdi. A 2014 cable described Abdul Mahdi, then oil minister, as having a "special relationship" with Iran. 
@theintercept This portrait of Iran's influence in Iraq is all the more striking at a time of heightened tensions between the U.S. and Iran. And in Iraq itself, violent street protests have erupted over what some say is egregious Iranian meddling in their affairs. nyti.ms/2r0qzfI
@theintercept The files largely confirm what was already known about Iran’s grip on Iraqi politics, but underscore how long Iran has had the upper hand in Iraq — the result of proximity, a shared faith and the many weapons — outmaneuvering the U.S. in the contest for influence.
@theintercept The Times and @TheIntercept verified the authenticity of the roughly 700 pages of #irancables but don't know who leaked them. The source declined to meet with a reporter but said they wanted to “let the world know what Iran is doing in my country Iraq.” nyti.ms/2r0qzfI
@theintercept We hope you’ll take the time to read our full story on how Iran came to dominate the political and military spheres in Iraq. But if you don’t have time now, here are the main takeaways from the hundreds of leaked documents. nyti.ms/3309lwe
