A senior official from the Nujaba Movement, an Iraqi militia aligned with Iran, has issued a demand for President Trump to honor troop withdrawal commitments by the end of 2025. With regional tensions escalating, the movement expresses readiness to retaliate against U.S. or Israeli actions in Iraq. The backdrop of U.S. military involvement in Iraq remains contested amidst efforts to address security challenges.
A senior official from the Nujaba Movement, an influential Iraqi militia, emphasized that U.S. President Donald Trump must adhere to prior commitments to withdraw troops from Iraq by the end of 2025. Firas al-Yasser, a member of the movement’s Political Council, stated that American forces cannot withstand the modern capabilities of resistance factions. The Nujaba Movement aligns with other Iranian-backed groups in Iraq’s Islamic Resistance coalition, notably intervening in support of Hamas amidst escalating conflicts in the region.
Recent tensions have intensified following reports from Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein about potential Israeli attacks on Iraq. Although immediate threats were defused, the risk of Israeli military action remains. al-Yasser indicated that the Nujaba Movement is prepared to respond to any actions against Iraq by the U.S. or Israel, emphasizing that previous threats by Israel during the recent Gaza conflict have not been taken lightly.
In the context of U.S.-Iran relations, Trump’s recent military actions in Yemen and against resistance movements are seen as provocations. Yasser criticized these actions, asserting they demonstrate an unreliability of American commitments. He noted that U.S. threats are intended to provoke local resistance and called for a reassessment of American policy toward the region to avoid further conflict.
Iraq’s struggle with conflict dates back to the 2003 U.S.-led invasion. The Nujaba Movement, formed in 2013 to support the Syrian regime, later became part of the Popular Mobilization Forces, which have since operated autonomously against U.S. troops. The U.S. presence has fluctuated, with recent agreements made under President Biden to gradually withdraw troops.
Despite hopes for reducing U.S. military engagement under Trump’s presidency, there has been no firm commitment to the withdrawal timeline set by Biden. The Nujaba Movement remains vigilant and ready for coordinated responses in defense of Iraqi interests, indicating a proactive stance against perceived aggressions from the U.S. and Israel.
Yasser concluded with a stark warning that the Iraqi Islamic Resistance is prepared for all scenarios, asserting that coordination is ongoing with the Axis of Resistance to respond appropriately to any future conflict.
The Nujaba Movement’s call for U.S. troop withdrawal reflects ongoing tensions in Iraq amid the backdrop of U.S.-Iran relations and increasing Israeli military threats. With the Iraqi militia prepared for a coordinated response, the dynamics between U.S. forces and local factions remain precarious. As Iraq continues to navigate complex regional conflicts, maintaining open channels for dialogue is critical to prevent escalation.
Original Source: www.newsweek.com
