29 Jul 2025, 08:14

Iraq's Prime Minister Seeks to Strengthen Ties with the USA and Control Armed Groups

Al-Sudani is using political and military pressure to control armed groups.
The USA and Iraq plan to discuss bilateral relations in the field of security.
Uncertainty remains regarding control over the Popular Mobilization Forces in Iraq.

The Prime Minister of Iraq, Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, aims to maintain his country's neutrality in foreign military conflicts, as these conflicts have lasted nearly two years. This requires balancing Iraq's relations with the USA and Iran, which are enemies of each other.

The situation escalated last month when violence erupted between Israel, a US ally, and Iran, while the USA launched strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. Al-Sudani indicated that he is utilizing the combined political and military pressure to stop armed groups linked to Iran from interfering in the conflict.

In an interview with the Associated Press, al-Sudani explained how he plans to maintain these groups in the future, as well as why he seeks to establish closer ties with the Trump administration, maintaining a tight relationship with political parties that support Iran.

Maintaining Neutrality During the Israel-Iran Conflict

After Israel launched airstrikes on Iran, and in response, Iran fired missiles at Tel Aviv, armed groups in Iraq sought to launch missiles and drones into Israel and at bases in Iraq where US troops are stationed. Al-Sudani reported that these attempts were thwarted 29 times during "Operation Security" by the Iraqi government.

Al-Sudani stated that his government also appealed to the leaders of Iran, urging them to stop their provocations and dialogue.

Future Presence of the USA in Iraq Under Question

The USA and Iraq last year announced an agreement regarding the completion of the mission of the coalition led by the USA, which fights against the Islamic State. Al-Sudani stated that the USA and Iraq will meet by the end of the year to discuss bilateral relations in the field of security. He also hopes for increased American investment in oil, gas, and artificial intelligence.

Al-Sudani noted that the presence of coalition forces provides "support" for the formation of Iraqi groups, but after the completion of the mission, the coalition "will not need to provide any support for any militia group outside the borders of the state."

Uncertainty Regarding the Popular Mobilization Forces in Iraq

Among the most pressing issues for al-Sudani is how to deal with the Popular Mobilization Forces, which are primarily Shiite militias created to fight against the Islamic State. This coalition is formally subordinate to the Iraqi army since 2016, though in practice continues to operate with substantial autonomy.

The Iraqi parliament is discussing legislation to tighten the connection between the army and the Popular Mobilization Forces, which would eliminate restrictions from Washington.

Weakness of State Authority

In recent weeks, a series of attacks by armed groups targeted oil facilities in northern Iraq. Kurdish regional authorities have accused groups from the Popular Mobilization Forces of carrying out these attacks. Al-Sudani called these attacks "terrorist acts" and stated that his government is working with Kurdish authorities to identify those responsible.

Restoration of Relations with Damascus

Relations between Iraq and the new Syrian government remain tense. Al-Sudani stated that his government coordinates actions with the new Syrian government, especially regarding security issues, to avoid the mistakes that occurred in Iraq after the fall of Saddam Hussein.