Baghdad, Iraq – The United States, through its top diplomat in Baghdad, reiterated its firm rejection of the participation of Iranian-backed armed groups in the new Iraqi government. It indicated that their inclusion directly contradicts the ongoing cooperation between Baghdad and Washington.
In an exclusive interview with Alsumaria News on Thursday, December 11, the US Chargé d’Affaires in Baghdad, Joshua Harris, stated that Iraqi leaders “know that including (Iranian-backed) factions in the new government is inconsistent with the framework of cooperation between Baghdad and Washington.”
Harris clarified that the decision regarding how Washington will respond to the formation of the government is “entirely an American decision.” He also affirmed that the United States “encourages the Iraqi government to separate and disband these groups.” Washington will defend its interests in Iraq.
Financial freeze and concerns about “illegal” transactions
On the economic and financial front, the US chargé d’affaires reiterated Washington’s continued concern about “illicit financial transactions” in Iraq. He noted that no new decisions have yet been made regarding lifting sanctions on certain Iraqi banks.
Harris’s remarks reflect the sustained pressure that led Shia leaders on December 1 to reach a “near-unanimous agreement.” This agreement excludes members and representatives of armed groups from holding government positions and economic ministries.
It is worth noting that the proposed US defense budget for 2026 stipulates that aid to the Iraqi army is contingent upon curbing Tehran’s proxies. This effectively links US military support to internal Iraqi political decisions.
