by Al-Fassel | 2026-01-12

Iran‑aligned Iraqi armed groups are openly defying Baghdad's authority, underscoring their loyalty to Tehran over Iraq's sovereignty and stability.

Their refusal to disarm despite demands from Iraq’s Supreme Judicial Council head and prime minister highlights a growing rift between the state and external factions.

Iran-aligned groups reject state authority

Kataib Hizbullah, Harakat al‑Nujaba and Asaib Ahl al‑Haq have repeatedly dismissed government directives requiring all armed groups to place weapons under state control.

Leaders insist their arsenals are "sacred," framing disarmament as an unacceptable concession that would weaken what they describe as the "resistance axis" aligned with Iran.

This stance directly contradicts Iraq's constitutional framework, which grants the state exclusive authority over the use of force.

The groups' defiance has intensified tensions with Iraq's judiciary and executive leadership, who argue that unregulated weapons undermine national stability.

Iraq's top judge emphasized that no entity may operate outside the law, while the prime minister warned that parallel military structures threaten the country's security.

Despite these warnings, the factions continue to assert independence from state oversight.

Their rejection of government authority also contradicts guidance from Iraq's Shia religious establishment, which has repeatedly urged all armed actors to respect state institutions.

By ignoring these calls, the groups reinforce perceptions that their primary allegiance lies with Tehran rather than with Iraq's political or religious leadership.

Weapons serve Iran's agenda, not Iraq's people

The insistence that their weapons remain untouched reflects a broader pattern of behavior linking these groups to Iran's regional ambitions.

Their actions consistently align with Tehran's strategic objectives, including efforts to pressure foreign partners, influence Iraqi politics and maintain leverage across the region.

This alignment leaves Iraq vulnerable to external manipulation and deepens internal divisions that hinder national reconciliation.

Iraqi officials warn that the continued presence of independent armed factions prevents the country from building a unified and accountable security apparatus.

Refusal to integrate into state structures perpetuates instability, complicates governance and fuels political gridlock at a time when Iraq seeks to strengthen its institutions.

By prioritizing Tehran's interests over Baghdad's authority, these factions undermine Iraq's sovereignty and obstruct efforts to establish lasting peace.

Their defiance highlights the challenge facing Iraqi leaders who aim to assert control over all armed actors while navigating complex regional dynamics.

As long as Iran‑aligned groups maintain parallel military power, Iraq's path toward stability will remain uncertain and fraught with external pressures.