Marco Rubio in UAE warns Iran-backed militias in Iraq threaten regional stability

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has issued a strong warning regarding the destabilizing role of Iranian-backed militias operating from Iraq. During a visit to the United Arab Emirates, Rubio stated that these groups are actively undermining regional stability by launching missiles and drones and engaging in terrorism.

Rubio emphasized that achieving an "end of hostilities and conflict in the region" is contingent upon Iraq taking action to control these militias. He highlighted that these groups pose a direct threat to American personnel and interests, stating, "You can’t have the end of hostilities and conflict in the region as long as Iranian proxies are launching missiles and drones from Iraq and are participating in terrorism."

The United States has intensified its pressure campaign against these Iran-linked militias within Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF). This campaign includes a combination of economic sanctions, terrorist designations, and significant financial rewards for information on militia leaders. The U.S. Treasury has sanctioned commanders from prominent groups such as Kataib Hezbollah and Asaib Ahl al-Haq, while the State Department's Rewards for Justice program has offered bounties of up to $10 million for information on key figures.

These actions aim to deter attacks on American facilities and personnel and address threats to regional stability. Rubio's direct call for Iraq to rein in these proxies underscores Washington's concern about Iran's influence and the ongoing security challenges in the Middle East. The militias, some with historical ties and others formed more recently, have been a significant factor in Iraq's security landscape since the war against ISIS.

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You can’t have the end of hostilities and conflict in the region as long as Iranian proxies are launching missiles and drones from Iraq and are participating in terrorism... It is an issue that will be gotten to at the appropriate time in these negotiations.