Iran’s Alleged Transfer of Missiles to Militias in Iraq: A High Stakes Game

Iran has been reportedly providing various types of surface-to-surface missiles to militias in Iraq, according to a new report by the UK’s The Times. This development comes as the US and Iran are set to engage in indirect talks in Oman, while the US continues to carry out airstrikes on Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen.

The report suggests that Iran’s actions in supplying weapons to militias in Iraq are part of a larger strategic game in the region. The militias in question are part of the Popular Mobilization Forces, and the recent missile transfers indicate Iran’s efforts to bolster their position in the region.

However, this news contradicts a previous Reuters report that suggested the Iranian-backed militias in Iraq might be willing to disarm due to pressure from the US. It is unclear which report is accurate, as both sources rely on anonymous information and sources close to the Iraqi Prime Minister.

The types of missiles being transferred to the militias in Iraq include long-range surface-to-surface missiles, as well as the Quds 351 cruise and Jamal 69 ballistic missiles. These weapons could significantly enhance the militias’ capabilities and pose a threat to regional stability.

The movement of these missiles to Iraq is not unprecedented, as Iran has previously supplied ballistic missiles to Shia proxies in the country. The latest transfers indicate Iran’s continued efforts to support its allies in the region and maintain its influence.

Overall, the reports of missile transfers to militias in Iraq highlight the complex and high-stakes dynamics at play in the region. As Iran and the US engage in talks and tensions remain high in the Middle East, the actions of Iran and its proxies will continue to shape the geopolitical landscape.