Iraqi resistance factions have renewed their readiness to join the US-Iran conflict if attacks against Tehran expand. They warned that the presence of US forces in Iraq and the region remains a key driver of instability.

In a statement issued two days ago, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq said it had not carried out any military operations against US bases in Iraq or elsewhere in recent days. However, it warned that "the option of targeting remains available if the war expands." The message was primarily directed at Washington, which has been pressing to end the factions' role and armed presence.

Firas Al-Yasser, a leader in the Al-Nujaba Movement, told Al-Akhbar that "the Islamic Resistance is in an open war with the US occupation as long as it remains on Iraqi soil." He added that "the decision to target remains in force until these forces withdraw."

Al-Yasser said the factions are waiting for the implementation of an agreement on the withdrawal of foreign forces in September. He added that the paused operations in recent months give the Iraqi government an opportunity to complete the process.

Regarding the latest statement, he said "the decision to participate in the battle depends on the assessment of the operations command." He argued that the current conflict is not only about Iran but, in the factions' view, represents "a US-Israeli project targeting the entire region."

He described the statement as a clear warning to Washington, particularly amid continued US pressure on Baghdad over the issue of faction weapons. He stressed that the resistance maintains "high readiness" to respond to any developments.

(...) the resistance does not appear ready to surrender its weapons because the issue is tied to its broader strategic view of the regional conflict.

Political researcher Ali Mohieddine said that US forces now pose a greater threat to Iraq than in previous phases. He accused Washington of seeking to preserve its influence through economic and military tools, saying "the occupation is trying to colonize Iraq economically and militarily."

He said the resistance does not appear ready to surrender its weapons because the issue is tied to its broader strategic view of the regional conflict. He added that Iraqi authorities understand "the danger of the Israeli role in the region" and that the resistance coordination framework is prepared to respond to any escalation in Yemen or other fronts linked to Iran, while supporting allies in Lebanon.

Mohieddine said the factions' actions cannot be separated from rapid regional developments. Their latest statements, he said, carry multiple messages, mainly that any expansion of the war could open new fronts.

A senior Iraqi security official told Al-Akhbar that "the government is serious about placing weapons under state control, but it is also managing the issue in a way that prevents internal escalation, especially under complex regional circumstances."

The official said security forces are closely monitoring groups attempting to launch rockets or drones toward Iraqi Kurdistan or Gulf countries, fearing such actions could trigger international or regional retaliation against Iraq. "There are specialized security committees following anyone attempting to create chaos or destabilize security," he said.

The government is meanwhile seeking to mediate between Washington and Tehran, relying on its ties with both sides while navigating the difficulties of the conflict.

The security official revealed that Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi will visit Iran carrying a US message related to the war's developments and the region's future. He said there is "a US mandate for Iraq to move toward solutions that reduce the intensity of the confrontation."

He added that regional efforts involving Iraq, Qatar, and Turkey are being considered to open channels with Iran and seek understandings that could end the current escalation.

This is an edited translation for a report published in Arabic.