Iraq Reports Efforts to Disarm Iran-backed Armed Groups

The Iraqi government is attempting to persuade powerful militias in the country, which have attacked American bases and fired missiles and drones at Israel in recent years, to lay down their arms or join the country's army. Foad Hussein, Iraq's Foreign Minister, stated in an interview with Reuters published on Thursday, January 17, that the central government in Baghdad is trying to balance its relations with Washington and Tehran while negotiating with these Iran-backed militias. These efforts come amid significant developments in the Middle East in recent months; Iran's armed allies in Gaza and Lebanon have been severely weakened, and the Syrian government has been overthrown by rebels. Meanwhile, the arrival of a new administration in the United States has intensified speculation about the possibility of increased pressure from the U.S. on Iran. Foad Hussein noted that discussing the disarmament of militias in Iraq was previously unthinkable in the country’s society, stating that having armed groups outside government control is no longer acceptable, and he hopes the leaders of these groups will be convinced to lay down their arms and come under government authority. Donald Trump returns to power at a time when relations between Baghdad and Washington have faced tensions, especially after the killing of Qassem Soleimani, the then-commander of the Quds Force, in Iraq. However, the Iraqi diplomat expressed hope that 'the good relations between Baghdad and Washington' would continue. He emphasized that it is still too early to discuss the policy Trump may adopt towards Iraq or Iran. Iraq, which is trying to pursue an independent diplomatic path, has expressed readiness to help reduce tensions between Washington and Tehran if needed. The Iraqi Foreign Minister also referred to his country’s mediation in normalizing relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran in 2023, which led to several high-level security meetings between Tehran and Riyadh officials in Iraq. Developments in Syria, which led to the collapse of Bashar al-Assad's government by armed rebels, have also raised concerns for neighboring Iraq. The Islamist rebels now in power in Damascus are the same Sunni militia forces that entered Iraq after the U.S. invasion in 2003 and ignited sectarian wars. The ISIS group also emerged from the same path a decade later, committing bloody massacres until they were defeated by the U.S.-led international coalition and Iraqi security forces along with Iran-backed groups. In such circumstances, doubts about Syria's future are serious not only in the region but also among Western countries. The Iraqi Foreign Minister emphasized that his country will only find certainty about Syria when an inclusive political process begins there. He added that Baghdad is ready to send grain and oil to Syria as long as it is assured that aid will reach all Syrian people. He also announced that Baghdad is negotiating with the Syrian Foreign Minister about a visit to Iraq. Foad Hussein continued, 'We are concerned about ISIS, so we are in contact with the Syrian side to discuss these issues. Ultimately, having a stable Syria means that all segments must have a share in the political process in that country.' Last year, Baghdad and Washington agreed that the U.S.-led coalition's mission would end by September 2026 and that relations would shift to bilateral military cooperation. However, Hussein stated that developments in Syria must be monitored.