Iraqi Government Urges Armed Groups To Join State Security Forces

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, center, chairs the first sessions of negotiations between Iraq and the United States to wind down the U.S.-led international coalition mission in Baghdad,

With Iranian influence waning in the Middle East, the Iraqi government is making efforts to bring armed groups, including factions within the Iran-backed Islamic Resistance in Iraq (IRI), under state control. Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein emphasized the need for these groups to lay down their arms and either join the state security forces or integrate into the state-recognized Popular Mobilization Forces.

There is growing concern in the region about potential power vacuums following events in Syria, Gaza, and Lebanon, leading to fears that Iraq could be the next to face instability. The collapse of the Assad regime in Syria was a significant factor prompting Iraq to address Iranian militias operating within its borders.