Sunday, September 13, 2026

Iraq under pressure after local Iran-backed militias accused of attacking Saudi pipeline


BAGHDAD — Iraq’s government was racing Saturday to contain the fallout after local Iran-backed militias were accused of attacking and shuttering a key Saudi pipeline. Iraq’s government confirmed the attacks had originated from its territory, pledged to investigate and dismissed a military commander. 

The country is under mounting pressure to prevent local militias from aiding other Iran proxy groups across the region. It’s especially acute as the Iran-backed Houthi rebels make an advance across Yemen’s west coast in a major setback to the Saudi-backed coalition that risks escalating the war in the region.

The Iraqi government has set a September 30 deadline for nonstate groups to disarm, but several of the most powerful militias have said they will not comply. (Read More)