With Iranian influence waning in the Middle East, the Iraqi government is making efforts to bring armed groups, including factions within the Iran-backed Islamic Resistance in Iraq (IRI), under state control. Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein emphasized the need for these groups to lay down their arms and either join the state security forces or integrate into the state-recognized Popular Mobilization Forces.
There is growing concern in the region about potential power vacuums following events in Syria, Gaza, and Lebanon, leading to fears that Iraq could be the next to face instability. The collapse of the Assad regime in Syria was a significant factor prompting Iraq to address Iranian militias operating within its borders.
The IRI, aligned with Iran and part of the 'Axis of Resistance,' has been involved in armed operations against Israel and U.S. coalition forces. The group poses a challenge for the Iraqi government, particularly after an attack that killed three U.S. service members in Jordan in January 2024.
On the other hand, the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) were established in 2014 to combat ISIS with support from Iran. The PMF is officially recognized as part of the Iraqi state security forces and reports directly to the prime minister.
Efforts are underway to manage the Islamic Resistance factions operating in Iraq, some of which have integrated into the PMF. The goal is to neutralize these elements and prevent geopolitical escalations that could involve both the PMF and the Iraqi state.
As Iran's influence in the region weakens, Iraq's move to rein in armed factions is seen as a reflection of this shift. With elections approaching in the fall and negotiations ongoing for security cooperation with the U.S., Iraq faces the challenge of demonstrating its ability to control rogue groups to maintain ties with the United States.
