Archive · 29 Jul 2026
Iraq Balances US and Iran Tensions Amid Strikes
Iraq is in a tough spot.
The US and Saudi Arabia recently attacked Iranian-backed groups in Iraq because they think these groups attacked Saudi oil facilities.
The Iraqi groups say they didn't do it and blame Yemen's Houthi rebels instead.
Iraq's government wants these groups to give up their weapons by the end of September, but some groups, especially those close to Iran, refuse.
This is all happening because the US and Iran are at war, and Iraq is trying to stay friends with both sides.
It's like trying to balance on a tightrope while people on both sides are pulling you down.
US and Saudi Arabia struck Iran-allied fighters in Iraq, accusing them of drone attacks on Saudi oil facilities.
Iraqi militias denied involvement, blaming Yemen's Houthi rebels for the attacks.
Iraq's government gave non-state groups until September 30 to disarm, but Iran-backed groups refuse.
Iraq's Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi faces pressure from both the US and Iran-allied groups.
The US-Iran war escalated in February, leading to increased attacks on US bases and diplomatic facilities.
- Who
- Iraq's government, US, Saudi Arabia, Iran-backed Iraqi militias (PMF), Houthi rebels
- What
- Strikes by US and Saudi Arabia on Iran-allied fighters in Iraq, tensions over disarmament of militias
- When
- Recent strikes occurred after drone attacks on Saudi oil facilities; US-Iran war escalated in February
- Where
- Iraq, Saudi Arabia
- Why
- Iraq is caught between US and Iran, trying to balance relations and maintain internal stability.
US and Saudi Arabia
Iran-backed Iraqi Militias
Strikes on Iraqi Militias
US and Saudi Arabia
The US and Saudi Arabia launched strikes against Iran-allied fighters in Iraq, accusing them of drone attacks on Saudi oil facilities.
Iran-backed Iraqi Militias
Iran-backed Iraqi militias denied involvement, blaming Yemen's Houthi rebels for the attacks.
Disarmament of Militias
US and Saudi Arabia
The US and Saudi Arabia pressure Iraq to disarm non-state armed groups, particularly the PMF, to ensure stability and security.
Iran-backed Iraqi Militias
Iran-backed groups, like Kataib Hezbollah, refuse to disarm, viewing themselves as part of Iran's regional resistance network.
- Key Groups Involved
- Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), Kataib Hezbollah, Islamic Resistance in Iraq, Houthi rebels
- Recent Strikes
- US and Saudi Arabia struck PMF bases in Iraq, killing at least 20 and wounding 32.
- Disarmament Deadline
- Iraqi government gave non-state groups until September 30 to disarm.
- US-Iran War
- Conflict escalated in February, leading to increased attacks on US bases and diplomatic facilities.
- Iraqi Prime Minister
- Ali al-Zaidi, a consensus candidate backed by both Iran-allied Shiite parties and the US.