Iraq Pressured by Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Kuwait to Rein in Pro-Iran Militias

Iraq is at a critical crossroads. Over the weekend, diplomatic and military pressure from neighbouring countries—including Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Syria, and Kuwait—intensified sharply. They are urging the Iraqi government to immediately rein in the Iran-backed militias operating within its borders. The move follows a series of incidents in late July, during which the militias allegedly used Iraqi territory as a launchpad to attack Saudi Arabia, threaten Syria, and possibly target Jordan. The tensions coincide with the sensitive Arbaeen pilgrimage, as millions of Shia faithful, including Iranians, flock to the city of Karbala.

Tensions peaked when Iraq’s new Prime Minister, Ali al-Zaidi, scheduled a visit to Saudi Arabia after returning from the United States, Turkey, and Iran. However, the visit was sabotaged by a militia attack on Saudi territory. In response, Saudi Arabia and the United States launched airstrikes on militia bases in Iraq, killing several armed group members. Saudi media outlet Al-Ekhbariya reported that the strikes were a last resort after months of diplomatic efforts and patience had been exhausted. Saudi officials stressed that the strikes were not aimed at the Iraqi government, but at the groups threatening their security.

Jordan, Kuwait, and Syria reportedly issued formal warnings to Baghdad. According to security sources cited by Rudaw media, the three countries expressed readiness to retaliate directly if their territories were attacked by armed factions from Iraq. An official Jordanian source told Al-Arabiya that the kingdom would strike pro-Iran militias inside Iraq if attacks continued. “We expect Iraq to take concrete steps to stop these militias,” the source stated.

The greatest challenge for Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi is the deep entrenchment of these militias within Iraq’s bureaucracy. Groups such as Kataib Hezbollah, Asaib Ahl al-Haq, and Harakat Hezbollah al-Nujaba are largely sanctioned by the United States, yet they remain part of the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF). This system allows the militias to hide behind a state identity, making any attempt to dismantle them politically and militarily extremely difficult, as strikes on militia bases are often claimed as attacks on Iraqi sovereignty.

In response to the growing pressure, Prime Minister al-Zaidi sought to ease tensions. In a statement quoted by Al-Arabiya, he affirmed his commitment, saying, “We will not allow any aggression from our soil against neighbouring countries.” While this message sends a positive signal for regional stability, observers argue that rhetoric alone is insufficient. Without concrete steps to disarm or restrict the militias, Iraq will remain a flashpoint for conflict between Iranian interests and the stability of surrounding Arab states.