Earlier this summer, in a discreet and unpublicized move, Iraqi government officials permitted Iran-backed militia groups to establish a more permanent foothold in the country. This development marks a significant escalation in the ongoing shadow war between Iran, Israel, and the United States.
According to a report by The New York Times, a new political office for Hamas has quietly opened in Baghdad, operating under heavy security without any signage. Similarly, the Houthis, a Yemeni group allied with Iran, have set up their own office nearby, reinforcing Tehran’s influence in Iraq.
This move comes at a time when Iran appears to be pushing its proxy groups across the region to collaborate on military strategies and coordinate their efforts more closely. The establishment of these offices underscores Iraq’s growing role as a battleground in Iran’s regional ambitions.
Iran’s Expanding Influence
For over two decades, Iran has worked to create a “Shiite crescent” by supporting and financing allied forces across the region. In Iraq, the Iranian regime has cultivated a network of loyal militias, extending its influence to Lebanon through Hezbollah and to Yemen via the Houthis.
In recent years, Tehran has pressed the Iraqi government to formally integrate these Shia militias into Iraq’s security apparatus. These groups have also gained political power, securing enough seats in Iraq’s 2021 elections to help elect the current Prime Minister.
Amid this growing influence, the Iraqi government approved requests from Hamas and the Houthis to establish political offices in Baghdad. While some Iraqi officials have expressed discontent with these developments, they have reportedly been unable to block the move due to the strong influence of Iran-backed political parties.
Rising Concerns Over Regional Stability
The opening of these offices in June, confirmed by both Iraqi and Western officials, signals a deepening connection between Iraq and Iran’s regional proxies. As Iran consolidates its influence, joint operations between Tehran-backed groups are becoming more common, raising fears of further destabilization in the region.
Critics warn that the increasing presence of these groups in Iraq could lead to further instability, particularly as armed factions in Iraq strengthen ties with Iranian proxies. This closer cooperation could enable Iran to exert more control over regional conflicts, posing significant risks for neighboring countries and international interests.
Hamas and Houthis Gain Ground in Iraq
The new Hamas office in Baghdad is led by Muhammad Al-Hafi, a member of Hamas’ Arab and Islamic Relations Office. Al-Hafi’s security in Iraq is provided by Kataib Hezbollah, a powerful Iran-backed militia. He has met with a number of Iraqi political and religious figures, including Shia organizations aligned with Iran and Sunni groups linked to the Muslim Brotherhood.
Similarly, the Houthis have been warmly received, particularly by Iraq’s Shia political factions. Since July, Abu Idris al-Sharafi, the Houthi representative in Iraq, has met with influential figures, including Qais al-Khazali, leader of Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq, another Iranian-backed militia. Sharafi has also engaged with tribal leaders in southern Iraq, calling for jihad against Israel in a widely circulated video.
Saad al-Saadi, a leader of the Al-Sadiqoun Bloc in Iraq’s parliament, expressed his support for the Houthis, stating, “All Iraqi political parties welcome the presence of the Houthis’ representative in Iraq, particularly because they represent the Yemeni government and are an important part of the resistance axis.”
A New Era in Iraqi Politics
Iraq’s political landscape is increasingly shaped by Iran’s influence. This shift has not only bolstered the power of Shia movements but has also marginalized Sunni factions that have resisted Tehran’s growing role in the region.
As Iran-backed groups continue to gain ground in Iraq, many fear that the country’s sovereignty is being compromised, and that the region could slide further into conflict. With Iraq now serving as a key stage in Iran’s regional strategy, the consequences of this growing alliance remain to be seen.
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