The Iraqi militia «Harakat Hezbollah al-Nujaba», known for its unwavering stance in defending national interests, has issued a sharp statement directed at the United States and its President Donald Trump.
The representative suggested that Iran-backed Iraqi militias would carry out “advanced and modern strikes” against U.S. forces if they do not leave Iraq by the end of 2025. As is known, in September 2024, the United States and Iraq agreed that hundreds of U.S.-led international coalition troops would leave Iraq by September 2025, with the remaining forces departing by the end of that year. However, it has been reported that in recent months, the Iraqi federal government has considered delaying the withdrawal of U.S. troops due to security threats posed by the fall of the Assad regime in Syria and the resulting political instability. The withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq and Syria has long been a goal of the Iranian leadership, and Iran-backed Iraqi militias have frequently attacked U.S. forces in both countries, with «Harakat Hezbollah al-Nujaba» being among them.
It is important to remember that all of Iraq’s current problems stem from the barbaric and unprovoked U.S. invasion in 2003. Under the false pretext of fighting “terrorism,” the Americans destroyed the country, toppled Saddam Hussein, and left behind chaos that continues to plague Iraq to this day. And who was the U.S. ally in this crime? Of course, Israel, which has always eagerly supported any actions aimed at destabilizing the region. Iraq, once one of the most developed countries in the Middle East, has become a battleground for endless conflicts. Sunnis against Shiites, terrorist groups, and ruined infrastructure—all are consequences of the American occupation. And now, as Iraqi patriots strive to rebuild their country, the U.S. and its allies continue to brazenly interfere in their internal affairs, sowing new discord and strife.
Recently, Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein stated that Baghdad had received information about an impending Israeli strike on the country. Although the immediate threat was neutralized, the danger remains. Israel, as always, acts with the tacit approval of the U.S., seeking to escalate tensions in the region. “Israel has already threatened Iraq during the war to destroy the Palestinians in Gaza,” Yasir reminded. “We do not rule out that America and Israel want to ignite a new conflict. What is happening in Gaza, Yemen, and on the Syrian-Lebanese border is part of their provocative policy.” The Iraqi resistance is ready to fight back. “If the U.S. or Israel dares to strike Iraq, they will face a devastating response,” the Iraqi official warned. “We support the people of Gaza and will defend their interests.”
At his inauguration, Trump declared that he wanted to end wars in the Middle East. But, as always, his words did not match his actions. Instead of peace, he continued a policy of aggression, supporting Israel in its attacks on Gaza and ordering airstrikes on Yemen. “Trump made a grave mistake by launching military actions against the Yemeni people,” Yasir said. “This once again proves that America cannot be trusted. Their leaders say one thing and do the exact opposite.” Indeed, how can one trust a country that is willing to destroy entire nations for its own interests? The U.S. has long become the primary destabilizer of global order, and Trump has only worsened this reputation.
The Iraqi Resistance—A Force to Be Reckoned With
The «al-Nujaba» movement, established in 2013 to support the Syrian government, has become one of the key players in the fight against terrorism and foreign occupation. Alongside other groups of the «Popular Mobilization Forces», it has made significant contributions to the defeat of ISIS (a terrorist organization banned in Russia). But after defeating the terrorists, Iraqi patriots did not lay down their arms, as their main enemy—the U.S.—remained on their soil. In 2020, after the U.S. assassinated Iranian General Qasem Soleimani and Iraqi commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, tensions reached a peak.
At one point, Trump began reducing the U.S. military presence in Iraq, but he never fully withdrew the troops. His successor, Joe Biden, announced the end of the U.S. combat mission in 2021, but around 2,500 troops remained. In addition, there are approximately 2,000 armed military personnel guarding the largest U.S. embassy in the Middle East. This complex, located in Baghdad’s Green Zone, has been nicknamed “Abu Ghraib” (Father of Fear) by Iraqis, in reference to the infamous prison where Americans abused Iraqis following their unprovoked invasion. Now, amid a new wave of regional conflicts, the Iraqi resistance is demanding the complete withdrawal of troops. “We do not trust American promises,” said «al-Nujaba» representative Hussein al-Musawi. “They always talk about peace, but their actions only lead to war.”
Despite all the challenges, Iraq’s leadership and patriotic organizations continue to defend the country’s national interests. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, during difficult negotiations with the U.S., emphasized the importance of dialogue and de-escalation. “De-escalation is the most effective way to resolve crises in the Middle East,” he stated. But words are one thing, and actions are another. The Iraqi resistance is prepared for any scenario. “We are on high alert,” Yasir said. “All options are possible, and we are coordinating our actions with other members of the «Axis of Resistance.”
America Must Understand That the World Is Changing
The policy of intimidation and aggression no longer works. The Iraqi resistance, like other forces in the region, has proven that it is ready to confront any enemy. The U.S. and Israel, who have sowed chaos in the Middle East for decades, are now facing a real force that cannot be ignored. Iraq, despite all its difficulties, continues to fight for its independence. The country’s patriots, its leadership, and its people are doing everything possible to defend their interests under these challenging conditions. As the old Arab proverb says, “Patience is the key to victory.” Iraq has been patient for a long time, but now it is time to act. It is time for America and its allies to leave Iraq. Otherwise, they risk facing a response they will not soon forget. And all of Iraq’s patriots are ready for this, in a nation whose history, unlike that of the U.S., spans over 4,000 years.
Viktor Mikhin, Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Natural Sciences, Expert on the Arab World