Iraq is trying to convince Iran-backed armed factions to lay down their weapons or join official security forces, Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein said, Al Hurra reported on January 17, while also offering to mediate between Washington and Tehran.

The diplomatic initiative comes amid major regional shifts, including setbacks for Iran's armed allies in Gaza and Lebanon and the fall of Tehran's key ally Bashar al-Assad in Syria as Tehran continues to pull out of the region as part of a potential upcoming deal with the incoming Trump administration in Washington. 

Baghdad officials worry Iraq could face new upheaval when US President-elect Donald Trump takes office, promising increased pressure on Iran, which it has become heavily reliant on for goods and energy in recent years due to the low cost of exports coming out of the neighbouring country.

"We hope we can continue this good relationship with Washington," Hussein said. "It is too early now to talk about which policy President Trump is going to follow for Iraq or Iran," Reuters reported.

"We don't believe Iraq is next," Hussein said during an interview in London, discussing the fate of Tehran's regional allies.

"Two or three years ago, it was impossible to discuss this topic in Iraq," he added, noting that circumstances have changed and the presence of armed groups operating outside state control has become unacceptable.

"Many political leaders and parties have begun raising this issue, and I hope we can convince these groups' leaders to lay down their weapons and become part of the armed forces under government responsibility," Hussein said.

Several Iran-aligned factions have launched drones at Israeli targets and fired rockets at US bases in Iraq since the Gaza war began in October 2023. Baghdad has maintained a delicate balance in its relations with both Washington and Tehran.

Hussein cited Iraq's previous mediation between Saudi Arabia and Iran, which led to normalised relations in 2023, as evidence of Baghdad's diplomatic capabilities.

Regarding Syria, he said Iraq would supply grain and oil once assured they would reach all Syrians, adding that Baghdad is discussing a potential visit by the new Syrian administration's foreign minister.

"We are worried about ISIS, so we are in contact with the Syrian side to talk about these things, but in the end, to have a stable Syria means to have the representative of all components in the political process."

The Iraqi minister expressed readiness to help ease US-Iran tensions if requested, highlighting Baghdad's unique position as an intermediary between the two adversaries.

"In the first place, we are thinking about security of Iraq and stability in Iraq. If there will be a threat to our country, of course, it will be a different story," he said to Reuters.