奥巴马演讲中并未提及伊朗；但评论人士却在猜测这项策略是否扩大了伊朗对美国的影响，因为伊朗支持的战士将是打击“伊斯兰国”地面行动能否成功的关键因素。
Obama never mentioned Iran during his speech; but commentators have speculated about whether his strategy gives Iran greater leverage over the US, on the theory that Iranian-backed fighters are critical to the success on the ground in the fight against the Islamic State.