English
Baghdad: The Iraqi government has increased pressure on Iran-backed armed groups operating in the country to lay down their arms. Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein said efforts were being made to persuade Iran-backed fighters to lay down their arms or join the official security forces.
In an interview with Reuters in London, Hussain said the government was negotiating to control the groups. He stressed the need to balance his relations with the United States and Iran, saying Baghdad was also ready to help ease tensions between Washington and Tehran.
Hussain said, “Discussing this topic was impossible two or three years ago, but now the presence of armed groups operating outside the state’s jurisdiction is considered unacceptable. Many political leaders and parties have started discussions on this. I hope we can persuade the leaders of these groups to lay down their arms. After that, these fighters can become part of the armed forces under the government’s responsibility.”
Iran-backed factions have fought against American forces and have launched attacks on Israel using rockets and drones.
Pressure is being exerted on Iran-backed groups from Iraq at a time when the geopolitical landscape in West Asia has rapidly changed. In recent months, Iran’s allies in Gaza and Lebanon have suffered losses. Iran-backed Bashar al-Assad has also been ousted from power in Syria.
Meanwhile, Donald Trump has returned as the president of the United States. Trump’s return could increase pressure on Iran. During Trump’s first term, tensions with Iran escalated. It was during Trump’s first term that Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani was killed in 2020. Following that, Iran also showed aggression and tensions increased.
Iraq is trying to manage its relationships in a delicate situation. On one hand, Iraq is trying to maintain good relations with the United States, while on the other hand, it also wants a normal relationship with Iran. It is trying to create a good image in the eyes of the U.S. government by putting pressure on Iran-backed groups present on its soil, which have been a source of difficulty for Washington.
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