Iraq aims to disarm Iranian-backed armed groups in light of waning Iranian influence in the region. Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein emphasizes the need for these factions to integrate into state security forces. There are concerns over regional instability, particularly as elections approach, and negotiations with the U.S. regarding military presence continue.
As Iranian influence in the Middle East recedes, the Iraqi government is seeking to disarm armed groups, including factions of the Iran-backed Islamic Resistance in Iraq (IRI). Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein remarked that armed factions outside state control are unacceptable, expressing hopes for their integration into state security forces. During recent discussions, Hussein emphasized that Iraq aims to incorporate these factions into the armed forces under government oversight.
There are regional anxieties regarding potential power vacuums following the weakening of key players like Bashar al-Assad in Syria and Hamas in Gaza, raising concerns that Iraq might face similar destabilization. Jonathan Schanzer of the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies noted that the collapse of the Assad regime prompted the Iraqi government’s push against Iranian militias, acknowledging widespread fears of Iranian influence.
The IRI comprises armed factions aligned with Iran that have consistently been challenging Iraq’s authority, posing operational and security risks. These groups have conducted armed operations, including one that resulted in the deaths of U.S. service members in 2024. Concurrently, the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), though recognized as part of Iraq’s official security framework, have connections to Iranian support, complicating Iraq’s security landscape.
Experts are discussing how to handle the Islamic Resistance factions effectively, especially since some have gained renewed prominence after October 2023. Inna Rudolf from King’s College London noted that the main concern is preventing these factions from escalating into broader geopolitical conflicts that could threaten Iraq’s stability.
There is a caution worldwide concerning possible retaliatory actions by Israel against Iranian groups within Iraq, leading to increased pressure on Iraqi authorities to manage these factions. Caroline Rose from the New Lines Institute asserted that the current drive for security sector reform and the desire to demonstrate authority over armed groups signifies Iran’s declining influence in Iraq.
With elections approaching, Prime Minister Sudani is engaged in negotiations with the U.S. regarding the continued presence of American forces—currently numbering approximately 2,500—in Iraq. Failure to establish control over rogue armed factions may jeopardize security cooperation with the U.S., particularly under a future administration, according to regional observers.
The article discusses the shifting power dynamics in Iraq as Iranian influence diminishes, leading to concerns over armed groups within Iraq. The Iraqi government, under Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, is keen on integrating these factions into state forces to establish greater control and improve security. As the region faces potential destabilization, effective management of these groups is crucial to maintaining Iraq’s sovereignty and security cooperation with the U.S.
In summary, Iraq is actively working to rein in Iranian-backed armed groups as Iranian influence wanes in the region. There are significant discussions regarding the integration of these factions into state security forces. The situation carries implications for national security and requires effective management to sustain cooperation with international allies such as the United States, emphasizing the importance of a stable and unified Iraqi state.
Original Source: www.foxnews.com
