Iraq bans anti-Iran groups from operating on its territory

Move aligns with 2023 security pact between Baghdad and Tehran aimed at stabilizing border region

BAGHDAD, Iraq (MNTV) — The Iraqi government has officially banned the activities of all groups opposing Iran within its territory, including in the semi-autonomous Kurdistan region, as part of a security agreement signed with Tehran last year.

The decision was announced by Iraq’s National Security Advisor Qasim Al-Araji, who stated that the move is intended to uphold Iraq’s bilateral commitments and reinforce security along the Iran-Iraq border.

“In line with the bilateral commitments between Baghdad and Tehran, and with the aim of maintaining the security of shared borders and strengthening bilateral relations with Iran, by issuing a directive, the activities of all anti-Iranian parties and groups based on Iraqi soil, especially in the Kurdistan region, are prohibited,” Al-Araji said on Thursday.

The ban follows the implementation of a security agreement signed on March 19, 2023, under which Iraq pledged to disarm and relocate militant groups based in the northern Kurdistan region that are considered hostile to Iran.

The agreement stipulated that by September 19, 2023, all such groups would be disarmed, evacuated from their military sites, and moved to designated camps under the authority of the Iraqi government in Baghdad.

The measure aims to reduce tensions between the two countries and prevent cross-border security incidents, particularly in light of past clashes involving Iranian Kurdish opposition groups based in northern Iraq.