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

Iraq is actively pursuing diplomatic outreach to Saudi Arabia and Syria as it grapples with internal pressure from powerful Iran-backed militias. The Iraqi government is pushing a new law to bring militia arms under state control by the end of September, a move reportedly facing resistance from influential groups like the Badr Organization. This diplomatic push is particularly significant as Iraq finds itself geographically positioned between emerging regional alliances. Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan recently formed a new joint defense agreement, increasing their cooperation. Iraq's efforts to stabilize its internal security situation and assert state control over militias are crucial, especially after recent attacks by Iran-backed groups on Saudi Arabia, which drew responses from the US and Saudi forces. Baghdad's outreach includes high-level engagement. An Iraqi Supreme Judicial Council delegation met with Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Damascus to discuss judicial and legal cooperation. This follows earlier discussions regarding the transfer of Islamic State detainees from Syria to Iraq. Concurrently, a senior Iraqi security delegation arrived in Saudi Arabia for key talks, led by the director of the office of Iraq's commander-in-chief of the armed forces. Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi faces a delicate balancing act, caught between the influence of Iran-backed militias and the need for US support. The head of Iran's IRGC Quds Force, Esmail Qaani, recently visited Iraq, reportedly to pressure Baghdad against disarming these militias. Iraq's efforts to assert state authority are further complicated by the geopolitical shifts occurring in the region, including the new alliance formed by its neighbors.

“

During the meeting, they discussed ways to enhance Iraqi-Syrian cooperation in the judicial and legal fields, in a manner that contributes to developing cooperation mechanisms between the judicial institutions of the two countries.