The Times: Iran stokes regional instability with missile delivery to Iraqi militias

The Times has published an article revealing that Iran has escalated its military influence in Iraq by transferring long-range missiles to its proxy forces for the first time, defying President Trump’s warnings to hold Tehran accountable. 

The missile delivery, arranged by the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Air Force, marks a significant increase in Iran’s military footprint in the region. It includes surface-to-surface missiles with a range capable of reaching as far as Europe, in addition to shorter-range Quds 351 cruise and Jamal 69 ballistic missiles. This move comes as Iran enters official negotiations with the United States over its nuclear program, following President Trump’s withdrawal from the 2018 nuclear deal.

The transfer of missiles to powerful Shia militias in Iraq is seen as Iran’s desperate effort to maintain influence in the region, particularly as it faces losses in air defenses and setbacks with its proxies, such as Hezbollah and Hamas. These militias, aligned with Tehran, have been the regime’s primary forces in the Middle East, alongside the Houthi rebels in Yemen. Last week, the US targeted key Houthi positions, killing senior intelligence leader Abdul Nasser al-Kamali.

The Iranian-backed militias in Iraq have a long history of anti-American sentiment, dating back to Saddam Hussein’s rule. In January 2023, the Kataib Hezbollah militia killed three American soldiers, prompting a US drone strike that killed its leader. While some militia factions are reportedly negotiating with the Iraqi government to disarm and avoid further conflict with the US, others have refused to comply, citing internal opposition and fears of bringing Iran’s problems to Iraq.

The Iraqi government, which still hosts US forces, has intensified efforts to clamp down on terror groups, including the Islamic State. However, it is caught between pressure from Washington to curb Iran’s influence and the growing internal resentment of foreign intervention. Despite claims from some Iraqi officials that militias are prepared to disarm, diplomatic sources argue that these efforts are merely a façade to avoid US retaliation.

Regional analysts suggest that Iran is scrambling to regain its foothold in the Middle East. Some militia leaders are in talks with the Iraqi government about demilitarizing their struggle and engaging in the political process, but others remain loyal to Tehran, viewing the escalating support as a tool to maintain leverage and destabilize the region further. Iran is also believed to be using its proxy forces to facilitate organized crime and smuggling, gaining strategic benefits from ungoverned spaces.

As Iran prepares for negotiations with the US, it is clear that the regime is committed to maintaining its proxy operations in the region, despite the risks posed by continued confrontation with American forces and regional instability.

By Tamilla Hasanova