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US Presses Iraq for Action Against Iran-Backed Militias Amid Rising Attacks

The United States has pressed Iraq's leadership to take concrete actions against Iran-backed militias, warning it wants action not words. A senior State Department official said there is a blurry line between the Iraqi state and these militias. The US wants militias expelled from state institutions and their budget support cut off. Over 600 attacks on US facilities in Iraq occurred during the recent regional conflict.

Key Points: US Demands Action Against Iran-Backed Militias in Iraq

  • US demands concrete actions against Iran-backed militias
  • Over 600 attacks on US facilities in Iraq during regional conflict
  • US wants militias expelled from state institutions
  • Washington seeks end to budget support for militia fighters
2 min read

US presses Iraq for action against Iran-backed militias amid rising attacks

US presses Iraq for concrete actions against Iran-backed militias, demanding expulsion from state institutions and end to budget support amid 600+ attacks.

"We're looking for action, not words. - Senior State Department Official"

Washington, May 6

The United States has pressed Iraq's leadership to take "concrete actions" against Iran-backed militias, with a senior State Department official warning that Washington wants "action, not words" amid growing concern over attacks on American facilities in the region.

"I think that the Iraqi leaders, including the Prime Minister-designate, understand what the United States is looking for. We're looking for action, not words," the senior State Department official said.

The remarks come as Washington intensifies pressure on Baghdad to curb the influence of armed militias that the US considers terrorist organisations and which American officials say have become deeply embedded within Iraq's state institutions.

"There is a very blurry line right now between the Iraqi state and these militias," the official said.

"And it would start with expelling terrorist militias from any state institution, cutting off their support from the Iraqi budget, denying salary payments to these militia fighters. Those are the type of concrete actions that would give us confidence and say that there's a new mindset."

The comments reflected continuing US frustration over the role of militia groups operating inside Iraq, particularly after months of regional instability linked to wider tensions in the Middle East.

The senior official accused parts of the Iraqi establishment of shielding the militias politically and financially.

"Certain elements of the Iraqi state have continued to provide political, financial and operational cover for these very terrorist militias," the official said.

"I'm not underestimating the severity of the challenge or what it would take to disentangle these relationships. It could start with a clear and unambiguous statement of policy that the terrorist militias are not part of the Iraqi state."

The official also underscored the scale of the security threat faced by US personnel during the recent regional conflict.

"We experienced more than 600 attacks against US facilities in Iraq during the regional conflict," the official said.

The comments signalled that the issue remains a central concern in US-Iraq relations as Washington evaluates Baghdad's willingness and capacity to rein in armed factions aligned with Iran.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As an Indian, I find this concerning. The US wants Iraq to crack down on militias, but these groups are deeply embedded. Any action could destabilize the region further. India should maintain strategic autonomy here.
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Vikram M
India has a similar problem with cross-border terrorism. We must support Iraq in curbing militias, but also ensure don't become a pawn in US-Iran rivalry. 😌
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Rohit P
The US says 'action not words' but they themselves have done nothing to stop the genocide in Gaza. 🤡 Iraq should not be pressured to do what America wants. Let them handle their own internal affairs.
J
James A
I see the US point. If militias attack US bases, they should be held accountable. But Iraq is a sovereign nation. This whole situation is a mess from the 2003 invasion onwards.
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Ananya R
I agree with India's policy of non-interference. But we must also condemn the attacks on US facilities if true. Diplomacy is key. The US should work with Iraq, not dictate terms like this.
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Siddharth J
The US has made Iraq a proxy battlefield for its rivalry with Iran. Now they want Iraq to fix the mess. Classic imperialist mindset. India should not take sides but support Iraq's sovereignty.

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