The tensions between the United States, Saudi Arabia, and Iranian-backed militias in Iraq entered a new phase this week after joint US-Saudi airstrikes targeted Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) facilities across Iraq.
The strikes followed a series of drone and missile attacks on Saudi Arabia. The United States has made clear that it believes Iran-directed militias are responsible for the escalation.
The US Embassy in Baghdad issued a security alert on July 28 warning Americans of "drone and missile activity in Iraq," stating that "Iran-aligned terrorist militia groups launched attacks from Iraqi territory targeting locations inside Iraq and in the region, posing serious risks to public safety."
The embassy also reiterated that Iraq remains under a Level 4 "Do Not Travel" advisory, warning “Do not travel to Iraq due to terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict, civil unrest, and limited ability of the US government to provide emergency services to US citizens in Iraq. Do not travel to Iraq for any reason."
The strikes have intensified pressure on Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, who has pledged to place all weapons under state control. During his recent visit to Washington, Zaidi discussed militia disarmament with US officials.
However, the militias have shown little willingness to accept such initiatives. Abu Fadhak al-Muhammadawi, chief of staff of the PMF, appeared to mock government efforts to monopolize the use of force, declaring, in a video circulating online, "whoever takes the weapon, man, let him take it."
Islamic Resistance in Iraq issues Baghdad ultimatum after US-Saudi strikes
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq (IRI), an umbrella organization for several Iranian-backed militias, has also escalated its rhetoric. According to Rudaw Media Network, the IRI issued Baghdad a multi-day ultimatum to take action following the US-Saudi strikes while promising retaliation against American and Saudi interests.
The Iranian-backed Harakat Hezbollah al-Nujaba movement similarly warned that "Washington's and Riyadh's interests and security would face consequences." Nujaba is sanctioned as a terrorist group by the US.
The reaction inside Iraq has reflected the country's continuing divisions. Hadi al-Amiri, leader of the Badr Organization, condemned what he described as an assault on Iraqi sovereignty. In a statement quoted by Rudaw, Amiri said, "We condemn in the strongest terms the sinful and unjustified aggression that targeted the sovereignty of Iraq and its armed forces," while demanding that the Iraqi government adopt "a firm and decisive stance."
Baghdad also criticized the strikes, saying they occurred while Iraqi officials were communicating with regional partners to investigate Saudi claims that attacks against oil facilities had originated from Iraqi territory. At the same time, the Iraqi government announced what it described as an "integrated security plan" intended to prevent Iraqi territory from being used to attack neighboring countries.
UN spokesperson warns of escalation in Iraq
The developments have also drawn international concern. Speaking to Rudaw on Wednesday, UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq warned against further escalation. "The one thing we don't want to see is again any expansion of the conflict," Haq said. "Having the fighting spread to a larger number of countries, all of these are adverse developments and could get us into a much worse situation even than before."
The latest crisis illustrates Iraq's increasingly difficult position. Baghdad seeks to strengthen relations with Washington while maintaining ties with Tehran. Yet as Iranian-backed militias continue to operate with significant autonomy, Iraq risks becoming the central arena in a broader regional confrontation. Whether Prime Minister Zaidi can translate promises of state authority into concrete action against the militias may prove to be one of the defining tests of his government.