Saudi Arabia, Middle East neighbors pressure Iraq to rein in Iranian-backed militias – analysis

Syria, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Kuwait are increasing pressure on Iraq to control Iranian-backed militias operating within its borders. These militias have used Iraq as a base for attacks against neighboring countries, including Saudi Arabia and potentially Jordan, and have threatened Syria. Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al Zaidi has stated, "We will not allow any aggression from our lands against neighboring countries," following a period of heightened tensions and retaliatory strikes. The militias, many of which are US-sanctioned and integrated into Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces, complicate efforts to disarm them as attacks on their bases are often perceived as attacks on the Iraqi state. Arab nations have warned Iraq they will respond if attacked by these factions, with a Jordanian source stating, "we expect Iraq to take measures to stop these militias."