Blinken presses Iraq on Iran-backed groups, seeing Syria window

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani in Baghdad on Friday, urging Iraq to counter Iranian influence and bolster its sovereignty amid shifting regional dynamics.

The visit, part of a broader regional tour, came after Syrian rebels ended the Assad family’s decades-long rule, a development that has weakened Iran’s foothold in Syria.

A U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Blinken pressed Sudani to clamp down on Iranian-backed armed groups that have targeted U.S. forces in Iraq. Blinken also urged Iraq to stop the transfer of Iranian weapons to allied groups in Syria.

In public remarks, Blinken avoided directly naming Iran but emphasized U.S. support for Iraq’s stability and sovereignty. “This is a moment for Iraq to reinforce its own sovereignty, stability, and success going forward,” he said.

Iran’s influence in Iraq surged after the 2003 U.S.-led invasion ousted Saddam Hussein. Blinken noted that Tehran’s regional clout has diminished, citing its strained alliances with Syria and Hezbollah following recent conflicts with Israel.

While Sudani’s response to Blinken’s requests was not disclosed, the Iraqi prime minister reportedly expressed a desire to avoid being drawn into escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran.

The Biden administration, despite agreeing to reduce U.S. troop levels in Iraq, has worked closely with Baghdad to prevent a resurgence of the Islamic State group, which once controlled vast areas of Iraq and Syria.

Meanwhile, incoming U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to take a harder stance on Iran, even as questions remain about his approach to Iraq.

The Biden administration recently extended a waiver allowing Iraq to purchase electricity from Iran, a decision criticized by Republican lawmakers.

The talks highlight the delicate balancing act for Iraq, which maintains close ties with Iran while seeking to navigate shifting power dynamics in the region.