US-Iran standoff will determine when Iraqi factions disarm, analyst says

Political analyst Najm Al-Qassab said that the resolution of the standoff between the United States and Iran will determine when Iraqi factions hand over their weapons to the state.

Speaking to Al Arabiya FM, Al-Qassab added that for years, Iraqi oil has been smuggled by armed gangs, with violations involving oil pipelines detected by intelligence and satellites in the Jurf Al-Sakhar area, which borders western regions and Fallujah, as well as a site near Karbala. Armed groups have not withdrawn from these areas in recent years, raising further suspicions about their activities.

He continued that the current Iraqi government, through intelligence, sources, satellites, or aircraft, has achieved a breakthrough in uncovering these operations. Large sums have been stolen from the Iraqi people using fake names, he said, noting that the Iraqi state has given an opportunity for weapons to be placed under the control of the armed forces.