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

Iraq is attempting to forge connections with Syria and Saudi Arabia as it navigates a local crisis involving Iranian-backed militias. Reports suggest that this powerful militia is resisting efforts to rein them in. In response, Iraq is implementing a new law to place militia arms under state control by the end of September. This development is significant as Iraq shares borders with countries that are forming a new alliance, including Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan.

Recently, Iranian-backed militias in Iraq attacked Saudi Arabia, leading to a joint response from the US and Saudi Arabia. As a result, militias have threatened new attacks, prompting Iraq to seek resolution. The Iraqi capital, Baghdad, is now reaching out to Syria and Saudi Arabia, among other nations. For example, the president of Iraq's Supreme Judicial Council met with Syria's interim president in Damascus to discuss strengthening legal and judicial cooperation between the two countries.

Ali al-Zaidi, Iraq's Prime Minister, must strike a balance between Iran-backed militias and US input. He recently received a high-level Iraqi security delegation in Saudi Arabia, reflecting the country's efforts to discuss security files and shared issues. The Saudi defense ministry framed the targeting as a response to recent drone attacks on Saudi oil facilities, which were allegedly carried out by Iranian-backed militias in Iraq.

Iraq's Prime Minister, backed by the Trump administration, is seeking a way out of the challenging situation he finds himself in.

Iraq is also looking to improve ties with its autonomous Kurdistan Region, which is a key partner of the US and maintains good relations with Damascus and Turkey. The region's president, Nechirvan Barzani, warned that provocations from armed groups could lead to international and regional isolation. Iraq has six weeks to demonstrate its commitment to acting on the issue of militias.