Iraq PM seeks to rein in pro-Iran militias and avoid regional war

On Monday, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani directed security forces to address "any act that would undermine security and stability" in response to evolving regional developments and an increase in attacks by Iran-backed factions.

As commander-in-chief, Sudani chaired an extraordinary meeting of the Ministerial Council for National Security to address what his office described as a "dangerous security escalation" in the region. He reiterated instructions to prevent any party from conducting operations that might draw Iraq into ongoing conflicts.

A statement from the Prime Minister's office emphasised that, while the state guarantees freedom of expression and peaceful assembly under the constitution, it "will not allow the targeting of diplomatic missions or vital facilities."

The statement further noted that Iraqi security forces will continue to protect citizens, foreign missions, and all property in accordance with national law and international obligations.

The council emphasised that decisions on national security, peace, and military action rest exclusively with the state’s constitutional institutions, reaffirming that Iraqi territory must not be used for internal or external conflicts.

Drone attacks, US strikes

The Iraqi Resistance Coordination Committee, which represents several Tehran-aligned armed factions, reported attacks beyond Iraq's borders against US and Israeli targets on Monday and announced plans for additional operations in the near future.

Over the past 48 hours, Iraqi factions claimed responsibility for drone strikes on the US-run Harir base in Erbil and Camp Victory near Baghdad International Airport. This escalation coincided with intensified US strikes on Popular Mobilisation Forces positions south of Baghdad as well as in Diyala and Anbar provinces, reportedly resulting in more than ten PMF casualties.

On Sunday, a group identifying itself as the Islamic Resistance in Iraq announced that it had conducted 23 drone operations against what it described as "enemy bases in Iraq and the region," without providing further details.

Armed factions targeted US interests outside Iraq as well as Israeli targets.

The source added that efforts by the government and Shia political groups to dissuade the factions from intervening were unsuccessful following the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

The New Arab contacted Sabah al-Numan, military spokesperson to Sudani, but he was not available for comment.

Amid ongoing volatility, Iraq's Security Media Cell called for unified messaging and urged media outlets to use only official sources for security news. Its head, Lieutenant General Saad Maan, said coordination with the National Security Adviser's office and the Iraqi Media Network aims to ensure accurate reporting and prevent misinformation.

He cited a recent Communications and Media Commission decision requiring that security news be issued only by authorized spokespersons, prohibiting reports attributed to unnamed "security sources."

The National Security Council also reviewed potential economic fallout from prolonged military operations in the region. The oil, electricity, and trade ministers briefed the meeting on fuel and energy production, food security, and contingency measures to mitigate the impact of further escalation on Iraq and global markets.

Sudani assumes defence portfolio

In a further political development, Sudani, currently leading a caretaker government, issued a decree to assume the duties of defence minister on an interim basis, cancelling a previous administrative order.

This action follows the swearing-in of eight ministers at the end of January, after they were elected to parliamentary seats in November 2025, including former Defence Minister Thabet al-Abbasi. Other ministerial portfolios have been temporarily reassigned until a new government is formed.

As armed factions continue cross-border operations and the United States intensifies strikes on PMF positions, Baghdad is compelled to maintain a careful balance and reaffirms its commitment to preventing Iraq from becoming the next frontline in the regional conflict.

Amid this volatility, OPEC+ announced that its members will increase crude oil production by 206,000 barrels per day next month to meet global demand.

As a result of this decision, Iraq's production quota will rise to 4.299 million barrels per day next month, which is likely to provide some fiscal relief as Baghdad faces heightened geopolitical risk.

However, Iraqi economists warn of "serious economic and financial repercussions" after the closure of the Strait of Hormuz  amid escalating tensions. They note that Iraq's economy relies almost entirely on oil exports shipped through its southern ports on the Gulf.