Iranian Leader Describes US Military Presence in Iraq as “Illegal”

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei stated that the presence of American “occupying forces” in Iraq is “illegal and against the interests of the Iraqi people and government.”

“There are indications and evidence that the Americans are attempting to solidify and expand their presence in Iraq, and we must firmly stand against this occupation,” Khamenei added during a meeting with visiting Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani in Tehran on January 8, according to the supreme leader’s official website.

Khamenei emphasized the influence of foreign governments in regional developments, particularly in Syria, remarking that “their involvement is clearly evident.”

The Iranian leader called for bolstering Iraq’s paramilitary Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), stating, “The Popular Mobilization Forces are a key element of Iraq’s strength, and it is vital to continue efforts to maintain and enhance them.”

In response, al-Sudani expressed satisfaction with the talks in Tehran and voiced hope that the discussions and agreements would deepen bilateral relations. He referred to the PMF as one of the “key pillars of Iraq’s power” and reaffirmed Iraq’s support for the people of Gaza and Lebanon and the “resistance” in the region.

During his one-day visit to Tehran, al-Sudani also met Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian, and the two sides reportedly stressed the need to utilize shared capacities to bolster economic ties. At a joint press conference, Pezeshkian reiterated Iran’s commitment to fostering peace, stability, and development in the region, while emphasizing the importance of deepening ties with Iraq. He highlighted the Shalamcheh-Basra railway project as a priority for economic cooperation and trade.

Some Iranian sources suggested that al-Sudani’s visit might be linked to U.S. pressure on Iraq to disband the PMF and other pro-Iran militias or integrate them into Iraq’s regular security forces. The visit occurs amidst “sensitive developments” in the region and could strengthen strategic bilateral relations and align security and political stances.

Earlier, on January 6, the Iraqi prime minister met with Brig. Gen. Esmail Qaani, commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Quds Force, in Baghdad. During their meeting, Qaani reportedly stated, “Iran has no reservations about any decision regarding the future of the armed factions in Iraq,” adding that Tehran “does not want to be part of the conflict and war” in the region.

Qaani also addressed leaders of Iran-backed armed groups in Iraq, urging them to align with the Iraqi government’s directives, avoid armed activities, and remain prepared for potential emergencies or military developments, particularly in light of Donald Trump’s upcoming return to the White House.

On January 9, Shafaq News quoted an informed source as saying that the Iraqi government is in talks with Iran-backed militias — including the Al-Nujaba Movement, Kataib Sayyid al-Shuhada, and Kataib Hezbollah — about integrating them into the security forces.

Iraq has faced increasing pressure to eliminate pro-Iran militias, particularly after their escalated attacks on Israel following the outbreak of the Gaza conflict. The militias declared these attacks were in support of the Palestinian and Lebanese people. In November, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar lodged a complaint with the UN Security Council, urging it to pressure the Iraqi government to halt militia attacks targeting Israel from within Iraqi territory.

In March 2023, Iran and Iraq signed a security agreement to coordinate efforts in protecting their shared border and enhancing joint security cooperation. This followed a November 2022 deal between Iranian and Iraqi border guard forces to combat “terrorist” groups and drug traffickers. Iran has frequently criticized Iraq for failing to secure its border, particularly in Iraqi Kurdistan, against infiltration by armed groups.