US warns Iraq militia bases will be targets if siding with Iran
The US has warned Iraq that militia bases could be targeted if they side with Iran in any future conflict, urging Baghdad to restrain armed groups.
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AIThe United States has issued a warning to the Iraqi government that militia bases will become military targets if they join Iran in any future conflict, cautioning of the consequences should these groups participate in renewed fighting, according to sources cited by Al Arabiya and Al Hadath on Saturday.
The sources said Washington has urged Baghdad to prevent armed factions from launching attacks on neighboring countries. US envoy Brett McGurk also called on the Iraqi government to ensure that all weapons remain under state control. The American move comes amid ongoing pressure to bring militias under government authority and to stop attacks originating from Iraqi territory.
The warning follows a phone call on Thursday between Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi and US President Donald Trump, during which Al-Kadhimi reaffirmed Baghdad’s commitment to preventing Iraqi territory from being used to attack neighboring states, respecting national sovereignty, and pursuing peaceful solutions and constructive dialogue.
During the call, the two leaders discussed regional developments, security issues, and prospects for the coming period. Al-Kadhimi set June 30, 2027, as the deadline for bringing all weapons under state control, stressing that Iraq will not participate in any regional war and that the decision to restrict arms to the state is final. Baghdad is seeking to balance its relations with Washington and Tehran while avoiding entanglement in regional conflicts.