Iraq’s Efforts to Rein In Armed Factions Amid Rising Tensions in the Middle East

Iraq is facing a complex challenge as it attempts to convince powerful armed factions within the country to disband or join official security forces. These factions, which have fought U.S. forces and fired rockets and drones at Israel, have long been backed by Iran, complicating Iraq’s delicate balancing act between Washington and Tehran.

Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein highlighted the government’s efforts to rein in these groups, many of which have played an active role in the Middle East’s shifting political landscape. The influence of Iran-backed groups, particularly in Iraq, Gaza, and Lebanon, has been severely impacted by recent changes, including the fall of Syria’s government and the degradation of Iran’s armed allies.

A major point of contention for Iraq is the ongoing presence of armed groups functioning outside the official state structure. This situation was once largely accepted, but now the Iraqi government is seeking to address the issue more forcefully. Hussein emphasized that it was now "not acceptable" for such groups to operate independently, and the Iraqi leadership hopes to integrate them into the formal armed forces under government responsibility.

The U.S. and Iran’s longstanding rivalry continues to test Iraq’s foreign policy. While Hussein stressed Iraq's commitment to maintaining good relations with both the U.S. and Iran, the pressure from the incoming U.S. administration to contain Tehran's influence could have significant ramifications for Iraq’s internal security. The legacy of the Trump administration’s strained relations with Tehran, including the 2020 assassination of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani in Baghdad, still looms large.

In addition to these internal security challenges, Iraq is also concerned about the instability in neighboring Syria. The country’s role in the Syrian conflict, particularly regarding the presence of ISIS and other militant groups, is a critical issue for Iraq’s government. Hussein has stressed that Iraq’s primary concern is ensuring Syria’s stability through an inclusive political process that represents all of its diverse communities.