Iran and Iraq - Part 7 Iran’s Role; US Nightmare

Iran and Iraq - Part 7 Iran’s Role; US Nightmare
In full swing, Deash takes over many important cities across Iraq. The terrorist group sells oil extracted from oil-rich region in the country to finance itself. Iraq is broken and the security forces cannot defeat this bloodthirsty group. At this point, encouraged by Grand Ayatollah Sistani’s jihad fatwa, people rush to defend the country. The flow of volunteers finally leads to the formation of the Popular Mobilization Forces or the PMF. The organization, helped and assisted by the Islamic Republic of Iran, soon turns into a powerful entity in the fight against terrorism. With the help of General Qassem Soleimani, the PMF defeats Daesh on several battlefields, liberates major cities and prepares the ground for the group’s final defeat. But that’s not the end of the story. The Americans are trying to come back to Iraq under the pretext of fighting terrorism. Things take a dramatic turn again…

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Instead of trying to come back, the U.S. has been formally winding down its military mission in Iraq as of late 2024 and throughout 2025. However, the situation is complex, with some U.S. forces remaining in the country and new tensions arising, especially related to the conflict between Israel and Iran.

The drawdown of U.S. forces
End of Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR): In September 2024, the Biden administration and the Iraqi government announced a formal end to the U.S.-led coalition combat mission against ISIS in Iraq, known as Operation Inherent Resolve, by September 2025.

Transition to security partnership: The mission is transitioning toward a bilateral security partnership focused on advising and training Iraqi forces.

Relocation to Kurdistan: While some forces are leaving Iraq, others are relocating to bases in the Kurdistan region, such as Erbil, to continue counterterrorism support for operations primarily focused on Syria.

Closing bases: Some longtime U.S. and coalition bases, including Ain al-Asad and sites near Baghdad, are being handed over to Iraqi authorities.

"Dramatic turn" and new tensions
Despite the planned withdrawal, the situation has taken a "dramatic turn" due to regional dynamics and ongoing tensions:
Escalating regional conflict: With intensifying tensions between Israel and Iran, U.S. military personnel in Iraq have been involved in intercepting rockets and drones fired toward Israel. This has complicated the rationale for the U.S. presence and its strategic implications.

Persistent threats: ISIS remnants remain a threat in certain areas of Iraq, including Diyala and Kirkuk. A senior Iraqi officer acknowledged that if the U.S. leaves, training programs could fall apart, and some Iraqis disagree that the local forces are fully ready.

Iranian-backed militia actions: Militias with ties to Iran have continued to target U.S. bases in the region and have been subject to U.S. sanctions. This has fueled a cycle of attacks and retaliatory strikes.

U.S. sanctions: In October 2025, the U.S. Department of the Treasury sanctioned commercial entities and individuals in Iraq for financing and assisting Iranian-backed militia groups.

Parliamentary efforts to end authorizations

In October 2025, in a related development aimed at reasserting congressional authority over military force, the U.S. Congress took steps to formally repeal old authorizations for the use of military force (AUMFs) in Iraq.

The Senate voted to repeal the 1991 Gulf War AUMF and the 2002 Iraq War AUMF.

This was seen as a move to officially close the legal chapter on past conflicts and limit a president's ability to justify military action under decades-old laws.

Context of upcoming Iraqi elections
The ongoing security situation coincides with major political developments within Iraq. The country is preparing for a pivotal parliamentary election on November 11, 2025, a contest that could influence Iraq's future political landscape.

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