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BAGHDAD (AP) — Iran has granted its commanders increased autonomy over militias in Iraq, enabling some factions to conduct operations without prior approval
from Tehran, according to militia members and officials speaking to The Associated Press. This shift, prompted by the pressures of ongoing conflict, has drawn criticism from the United States and other nations, as many Iran-backed militias are financed through the Iraqi state budget and are integrated within the country’s security apparatus.
Militia Operations and U.S. Pressure
Despite significant pressure from the U.S., the Iraqi government has struggled to rein in these militias. The most hard-line factions operate under Iranian advisers, utilizing a decentralized command structure, according to five officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the topic.One militia official noted, “The various forces have been granted the authority to operate according to their own field assessments without referring back to a central command.” This new autonomy comes in the context of a fragile state structure in Iraq, which has been further complicated by a parallel confrontation with the U.S.
Escalating Attacks and U.S. Sanctions
The recent escalation of attacks on U.S. assets in Iraq has raised alarms, particularly as factions continue to act as extensions of Iran’s regional strategy. A ceasefire agreement reached in April has not deterred the U.S. from pursuing military and political actions against these groups. On Friday, the U.S. imposed sanctions on seven commanders and senior members of four hard-line Iran-backed Iraqi militia groups.Michael Knights, head of research for Horizon Engage, emphasized that the U.S. intends to maintain its freedom of action against these militias, stating, “That may well play out into an effort to try and guide a less militia-dominated government formation.”
Iran's Shift in Command Structure
In the wake of escalating conflict, Iranian officials conveyed to Iraqi Kurdish authorities that they had devolved authority to regional commanders. A senior Iraqi Kurdish official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described how Iranian representatives indicated they could not intervene if militia attacks intensified near U.S. interests.This shift in command reflects lessons learned from previous conflicts, where centralized operations were more common. In contrast, greater autonomy has been granted in the current environment, as corroborated by militia officials.
Political Implications and Government Response
The Iraqi government faces a complex paradox: the militia factions it struggles to control are tied to political parties that helped establish its leadership. The Coordination Framework, an alliance of influential pro-Iran Shiite factions, played a crucial role in installing Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani in 2022.As a caretaker premier amid ongoing political deadlock, al-Sudani has taken limited actions to curb militia influence, which has met with significant resistance. Critics argue that certain state-funded groups operate according to Iranian interests, undermining Iraq’s national objectives.
U.S. Expectations and Iraqi Government Actions
The U.S. has emphasized its commitment to curbing the power of these militias. A senior Iraqi Kurdish official and a Western diplomat indicated that increasing pressure on the Iraqi government is likely as it continues to function in a caretaker capacity.Last week, Iraq’s ambassador to the U.S. was summoned to address U.S. condemnation of militia attacks on American personnel and diplomatic missions. According to State Department deputy spokesperson Tommy Bigot, “The Deputy Secretary affirmed that the United States will not tolerate any attacks targeting its interests and expects the Iraqi Government to take all necessary measures immediately to dismantle Iran-aligned militia groups.”
Resistance from Militias and Their Position
Al-Sudani's limited attempts to institutionalize the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) have deepened their integration within the state, leading to resistance from militia groups. The U.S. may aim to isolate the most hard-line factions from those more embedded in Iraq’s political system.Harakat al-Nujaba spokesperson Mahdi al-Kaabi stated, “To put it bluntly, we are allies of the Islamic Republic,” while also claiming that the group operates within Iraq’s political framework and respects the law and constitution.
