A senior member of the Nujaba Movement has issued an ultimatum to President Trump regarding the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq by 2025. Recent statements indicate heightened tensions between the U.S. and factions in Iraq, amid threats of Israeli actions and escalating military responses. The Nujaba Movement expresses skepticism about American promises and readiness to protect Iraqi sovereignty amid ongoing geopolitical challenges.
Recent statements from Firas al-Yasser, a prominent member of the Nujaba Movement’s Political Council, reveal that U.S. President Donald Trump is urged to fulfill his predecessor’s commitment to withdraw American troops from Iraq by 2025. The Nujaba Movement, aligned with Iran, operates under the Islamic Resistance umbrella and has suspended rocket attacks against U.S. forces since early 2024; however, recent tensions indicate a volatile situation in the region.
Al-Yasser mentioned that warnings about potential Israeli strikes on Iraq were communicated by Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein. While immediate threats were defused, the risk of military action remains. He further stated that the Nujaba Movement is prepared to respond to any attacks on Iraq, asserting that American forces cannot cope with modern resistance tactics.
The increasing strain between the U.S. and Iraq comes amidst escalating military activities in the region, with Ansar Allah, a member of the Axis of Resistance known as the Houthis, threatening to retaliate against Israel in light of humanitarian issues affecting Gaza. Following a series of U.S. strikes in Yemen, hostilities have reignited with both sides exchanging threats and military actions, complicating the geopolitical landscape.
During a call earlier this week, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth emphasized the U.S. partnership with Iraq, particularly in countering ISIS. Meanwhile, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani echoed the need for de-escalation through dialogue instead of military engagements. Contrastingly, al-Yasser criticized Trump’s actions in the region, labeling them as indication that U.S. commitments cannot be trusted.
The Nujaba Movement has a complex history, rooted in the fight against ISIS and the Syrian civil war. Following years of conflict, Trump’s administration sought to reduce military presence in Iraq, which continues to remain a point of contention. The Nujaba Movement has voiced skepticism over U.S. promises regarding troop withdrawals, further complicating the relationship as various factions in Iraq gear up for potential conflict.
Despite the initial promise of reduced military commitments under Trump’s administration, current events have left many factions within the Islamic Resistance skeptical about America’s intentions. Yasser maintained that the Iraqi Islamic Resistance is now poised to respond to any military escalation, highlighting that cooperation within the Axis of Resistance is essential for forthcoming confrontations.
As tensions rise, the Nujaba Movement insists its readiness to defend Iraqi sovereignty indicates a shift in regional dynamics, emphasizing the resilience of local resistance against U.S. and Israeli military operations. Future engagements will require coordination among various factions as the region continues to navigate its tumultuous political landscape.
In summary, rising tensions in Iraq underscore the complex interaction between U.S. military actions and regional resistance movements. Firas al-Yasser’s assertions affirm the imperative for the U.S. to adhere to its withdrawal commitments, while also highlighting the resilient stance of the Nujaba Movement. The geopolitical landscape remains fraught with uncertainty, as factions prepare for potential escalations, reiterating their readiness to confront threats against Iraq. The continuous cycle of conflict and diplomacy will shape the future of U.S.-Iraq relations and the stability of the region.
Original Source: www.newsweek.com