ALBAWABA- Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein has called for armed factions supported by Iran to lay down their weapons or integrate into Iraq’s official security forces.
Speaking to Reuters, Hussein emphasized Baghdad's commitment to reducing the influence of militias, stating, "We are trying to convince the armed factions to lay down their weapons or join the official security forces."
Hussein also signaled Iraq’s readiness to mediate between Washington and Tehran to ease tensions, adding, "Iraq will not be reassured about Syria until it sees a comprehensive political process."
This statement comes during significant geopolitical shifts that have weakened Iran’s regional influence. In Lebanon, Hezbollah was forced to withdraw from South Lebanon and surrender its weapons to the Lebanese army following a November 27, 2024 deal with Israel.
The organization also suffered devastating losses, including the deaths of top leaders Hassan Nasrallah and Hashim Safiuddin, along with hundreds of fighters, in a major Israeli strike.
In Syria, opposition forces have advanced, capturing Damascus and ousting the pro-Iranian Assad regime.
These developments have left Iraq as Iran’s last stronghold of armed proxies, comprising numerous factions mobilized by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard under the pretext of protecting Shiite religious sites.
The Iraqi Foreign Minister’s call for disarmament reflects growing intolerance of Iranian interference in Iraq. It also underscores Baghdad's determination to assert sovereignty and curb the sectarian influence that has long destabilized the nation.
With Iran losing its proxies in Lebanon and Syria, Iraq's stance could mark a turning point in the region, signaling a diminishing tolerance for Tehran’s attempts to exert influence through armed factions.
