Iran-Supported Iraqi Militias Seize Strategic Town in Western Mosul
Iran-supported units within the Hashd al-Shaabi, the Iraqi paramilitary forces called Popular Mobilization Forces (P.M.F.), have seized the al- Qairawan region in western Mosul from the Islamic State, Iran’s Fars News Agency reported today.
Monday Briefing: Chances for MidEast Peace Remote under Trump
In this week’s Monday Briefing, MEI experts Yousef Munayyer, Alex Vatanka, Jonathan M. Winer, and Marvin G. Weinbaum provide analysis on recent and upcoming events including President Trump’s trip to Israel and the prospects for a peace process, the reelection of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, Russia’s planned naval drill off the coast of Libya this week, and the Afghan Taliban’s decision to reject peace talks.
Iran-Backed Iraqi Militia Groups Seize Strategic Air Base in Western Mosul
The Hashd al-Shaabi – Iraqi paramilitary forces known as the Popular Mobilization Forces – captured an air base from the Islamic State on Thursday, the Iranian media reports.
Iran’s Envoy to Iraq Meets with Senior Religious and Political Leaders in Karbala
On Monday, Iranian Ambassador to Baghdad Iraj Masjedi traveled to the holy city of Karbala and held meetings with senior Iraqi government officials and religious leaders, the
I.R.G.C. Outlet: U.S. Eyes Post-ISIS Military Presence in Iraq and Syria to Counter Iran
A lengthy report in Fars News Agency (F.N.A.), an outlet close to the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (I.R.G.C.), claims that the United States is seeking to contain the growing influence of Iran and its proxies in Iraq and Syria by increasing its military presence in northern and southern Syria and keeping
Escalating Tension between Iran-Backed P.M.F. Groups and Peshmerga Forces in Sinjar
A commander of Kurdish peshmerga forces in the Iraqi town of Sinjar, Sarbast Lazkeen, has cautioned that any further expansion of Iran-backed Popular Mobilization Forces (P.M.F.) toward the Syrian border and into Kurdish regions could prompt a direct military intervention by Turkey, Saudi Arabia or the United States.
I.R.G.C. Outlet: U.S. Military Build-up along Iraq-Syria Border Aimed at Countering "Shiite Crescent"
Recent reports that the Trump administration is in talks with Baghdad about keeping American troops in Iraq after the defeat of the Islamic State have triggered concern in Tehran. The Iranian media also have raised the alarm that the U.S. increasing military presence in Iraq and Syria is aimed at countering the influence of Iran and its regional allies in the Middle East.
Iran-Backed Iraqi Popular Mobilization Forces Make Gains in Western Mosul
The Iraqi Hashd al-Shaabi – the paramilitary Popular Mobilization Forces (P.M.F.) – earlier today announced the launch of the second phase of the “Muhammad Rasulullah” operation in western Mosul of Iraq’s Nineveh Province.
Iran-Supported Militia Groups Eye Politics after Islamic State
Muhammad al-Hattab, a commander of the Iraqi Popular Mobilization Forces (P.M.F.), has hinted that the paramilitary forces may enter politics and participate in elections after the Islamic State is defeated.
Iran-Controlled Militant Group Says Regional Alliance Will Create “Shiite Full Moon”
The leader of a prominent Iran-supported Shiite militia group has said that his organization aims to establish a “Shiite full moon” not a “Shiite crescent.” In a
Iran-Backed Iraqi Militia Commander Says His Forces Barred from Tal Afar Operation under Pressure from U.S. and Turkey
A prominent Iranian-backed Iraqi Shiite militia leader has confirmed that the Hashd al-Shaabi – the paramilitary Iraqi forces known as the Popular Mobilization Forces – will not take part in the military operation to recapture the strategic city of Tal Afar from the Islamic State.
Iraqi Vice President Reveals Iran’s Influence in Iraq through Proxies
Iraqi Vice President Ayad Allawi has revealed that a leader of the Iraqi Popular Mobilization Forces (P.M.F.) has traveled to Iran to discuss the issue of internally displaced people of the strategic town of Jurf Al Sakhar near Baghdad.
Quds Force and Iraqi Allies Allegedly Setting up New Offices in Mosul
The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (I.R.G.C.) has been setting up new offices in Mosul, the capital of Iraq’s Nineveh Province, according to a report in
