Iraq seeks Saudi, Syrian ties as it faces pressure to rein in Iran-backed militias – analysis

Iraq is actively seeking to strengthen ties with Syria and Saudi Arabia amidst internal pressure to control Iran-backed militias. This outreach includes high-level judicial and security delegations visiting Damascus and Riyadh, respectively. The Iraqi Supreme Judicial Council met with Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa to discuss legal and judicial cooperation, particularly concerning ISIS detainees. Concurrently, a high-level Iraqi security delegation arrived in Saudi Arabia to address security files and shared issues, following drone attacks on Saudi oil facilities that Riyadh attributed to Iran-backed militias in Iraq.

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi aims to bring militia arms under state control by the end of September, facing opposition from powerful groups like the Badr Organization and pressure from Iran. Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani emphasized the urgency, stating, "By God, if Iraq does not solve the issue of the factions, it will face international and regional isolation." This diplomatic push is crucial as Iraq navigates regional alliances and seeks to assert state control over armed groups that have previously attacked Saudi Arabia, US forces, and the Kurdistan Region.