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The United States has issued an ultimatum to Iraq’s incoming leadership, demanding that they take concrete steps to curb the influence of pro-Iran armed groups before Washington can restore vital financial transfers and security assistance.
According to a senior US official, cited by CBS News, the resumption of support would largely depend on Iraq’s willingness to address several key concerns. These include the removal of militias from state institutions, an end to budgetary support for these groups, and the cessation of salary payments to fighters affiliated with these militias.
The move comes amid growing unease in Washington over the increasing influence of Iranian-backed militias within Iraq’s government and security apparatus. The US has long been concerned that these groups may undermine Iraq’s stability and potentially destabilize the broader region.
Iraq’s incoming Prime Minister, Muhammad Shia’ al-Sudani, will face mounting pressure to deliver on the US demands as his country grapples with a worsening economic crisis and a resurgent extremist threat. Analysts warn that if Iraq fails to act, the country may find itself increasingly isolated from its key allies in the region.
“The US has made it clear that it expects concrete actions from Iraq’s leadership,” said a former US diplomat, who spoke on condition of anonymity. “If Iraq cannot demonstrate a commitment to reducing the influence of pro-Iran groups, it will struggle to access vital support and assistance that only the US can provide.”
The US and Iraq have had a long-standing security partnership, with Washington providing key military aid and training to Baghdad. However, in recent years, tensions have increased over Iraq’s failure to rein in the influence of Iranian-backed militias, which have been accused of carrying out attacks against US and coalition forces in the country.
The US official cited by CBS News emphasized that restoring financial transfers and security assistance would be contingent on Iraq’s compliance with the US demands. This includes measures aimed at ensuring the removal of militias from key ministries and government agencies, the cessation of budgetary support to these groups, and the prohibition of salary payments to fighters aligned with these militias.
Iraq’s leadership will face a critical test of its ability to deliver on these demands in the coming weeks and months. Failure to do so may have far-reaching consequences for the country’s security, stability, and economic prospects.