‘Resolving Armed Groups Issue Is a Sovereign Iraqi Decision’ Iraqi FM

The comments followed Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani’s visit to Tehran, during which this message was reportedly conveyed to Iranian officials.

Iraq’s Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein. (Photo: Archive - redesigned by Kurdistan24)
Iraq’s Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein. (Photo: Archive - redesigned by Kurdistan24)

Jan.19, 2025

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - Iraq’s Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein reiterated on Saturday his country’s standpoint on dealing with the issue of armed groups, highlighting that it is a matter to be solved exclusively by Iraqis, without external meddling, including from neighboring Iran.

In an interview with Asharq al-Awsat newspaper, Iraq’s Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein restated Baghdad’s stance that handling the presence and activities of armed groups within Iraq is an internal matter.

The comments followed Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani’s visit to Tehran, during which this message was reportedly conveyed to Iranian officials.

“While many countries express their views about Iraq's internal situation, our issues only concern Iraqis, and this applies to everyone,” Hussein said, underscoring Iraq's sovereignty in deciding its path forward on security and political matters.

Addressing the Armed Groups Issue

The Foreign Minister emphasized that Iraq is contemplating a variety of mechanisms to resolve the issue of armed groups.

These mechanisms include voluntary disarmament, which aims to encourage groups to surrender their weapons; political integration, which could help transition armed factions into formal political entities; and absorption into state structures, which means integrating groups into the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), an umbrella organization of militias officially recognized by the Iraqi state.

Hussein underscored that these attempts intend to avoid internal conflict and foster stability, reflecting Baghdad's commitment to upholding peace within its borders.

Iran's Role and Iraq’s Sovereignty

The remarks come amid speculation about Iran’s influence in Iraq, especially regarding armed factions with alleged ties to Tehran.

Hussein made it clear that Iraq has communicated to Iran the necessity for Baghdad to independently address and resolve its internal matters.

This standpoint resonates with Iraq’s broader efforts to uphold its sovereignty and manage its domestic affairs without undue external influence.

Addressing Speculation About U.S. Relations

In the same interview, Hussein dismissed claims that Iraq’s historic agreement with the British government was tied to political developments in the United States, including the potential return of former President Donald Trump to the White House.

He explained that the agreement was unconnected and centered on bilateral relations with the UK.

A Path Toward Stability

As Iraq manages its intricate security and political landscape, the government’s attempts to tackle the issue of armed groups signify a crucial step toward maintaining long-term stability.

By stressing sovereignty and exploring inclusive solutions, Baghdad intends to promote unity and avoid further fragmentation.

Observers view the Iraqi government’s commitment to addressing this issue internally as a noticeable move to balance its relationships with regional and international powers while protecting national interests.