The Iraqi newspaper Al-Mada has raised alarms about the potential for Iraq to face a crisis similar to Syria’s if it does not distance itself from the Iranian regime and implement swift reforms. Citing warnings from political forces, the paper emphasized the urgency of prioritizing Iraq’s national interests over external influences.
According to Al-Mada, a growing number of political parties are urging the Iraqi government to reduce its reliance on Iran and address the influence of armed groups operating within the country. The administration of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani is reportedly under significant pressure to rein in these factions, which are often linked to Tehran.
Fears of a Syrian Scenario
In a previous report, Al-Mada highlighted leaked information about a development: Prime Minister Al-Sudani allegedly contacted Ahmed Hussein al-Sharaa (Abu Mohammad al-Julani), the leader of the Tahrir al-Sham group, with Turkey acting as a mediator. This interaction has fueled concerns about the spread of conflict dynamics from Syria into Iraq. There are persistent fears that dormant Islamic State (ISIS) cells could become active again, further destabilizing the region.
Recent speculation also points to the weakening of Iranian proxy groups in Iraq following the decline of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s regime. The Arab-Australian Strategic Studies Center warned that Iraq faces a critical choice: it must either curb the activities of Iranian-backed proxies or risk becoming a target for Israeli action. The center also noted that, following successful U.S. and Israeli operations in Syria and Lebanon, Baghdad could be next in line.
U.S. Demands and Iranian Influence
The United States has conveyed its concerns about Iranian proxy groups to the Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs. During a recent meeting, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken pressed Iraq to take decisive action against these militias. A U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that Blinken described Iran as being at its weakest in years, presenting Iraq with a strategic opportunity to reduce Tehran’s influence.
Blinken reportedly urged Prime Minister Al-Sudani to:
Crack down on Iranian-backed Shia armed groups that have repeatedly attacked U.S. forces in Iraq.
Prevent the transfer of Iranian weapons through Iraqi territory to affiliated groups in Syria.
Domestic Backlash Against Iran
Public sentiment in Iraq appears to be shifting against Iranian influence. In recent days, Iraqi social media users have called for action against the Iranian embassy and demanded an end to the activities of armed groups supported by Tehran. These calls echo broader protests in recent years, which have seen widespread demonstrations against Iranian interference in Iraqi affairs.
Rahim al-Aboudi, a member of the political office of the National Wisdom Movement—a group aligned with Tehran—acknowledged Iraq’s balancing act. He stated that Iraq seeks to maintain a degree of neutrality in its relations with Washington and Tehran.
A Pivotal Moment
Iraq’s political landscape is at a critical juncture. The fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria has exposed vulnerabilities in Tehran’s regional strategy, creating an opening for Iraq to assert greater independence. However, this path is fraught with challenges. Failure to act decisively could leave Iraq vulnerable to escalating tensions, both domestically and from external forces.
As the government navigates these pressures, the choices it makes will have profound implications for Iraq’s stability and sovereignty. The coming months will test the leadership’s ability to prioritize national interests, reduce external interference, and implement reforms that can steer the country toward a more stable future.
Source » irannewsupdate