A senior official from Iraq’s Nujaba Movement has issued an ultimatum to President Trump, insisting on the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iraq by 2025. Amid rising tensions in the region, he emphasized preparedness to respond to potential strikes by the U.S. or Israel. Political dynamics indicate a volatile future as Iraqi militias assert their readiness against perceived aggressors, while U.S. officials continue to pursue diplomatic engagement with Iraq.
In an exclusive interview with Newsweek, a senior official from the Iraqi militia, Nujaba Movement, has issued an ultimatum to U.S. President Donald Trump, reminding him of his predecessor’s commitment to withdraw U.S. troops from Iraq by the end of 2025. Firas al-Yasser, a member of the Political Council, asserted that the U.S. must respect its pledges, stating that American forces cannot withstand the advanced strikes from resistance groups.
The Nujaba Movement operates under the broader Islamic Resistance coalition in Iraq, which has supported the Palestinian Hamas during its ongoing conflict with Israel. Recent tensions in the region have escalated, following warnings of potential Israeli strikes on Iraq indicated by Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein. Yasser clarified that the Nujaba Movement is ready to retaliate against any actions taken by the U.S. or Israel.
Yasser commented on the seriousness of threats posed by Israel’s military activity, emphasizing that previous warnings were not unfounded. The current geopolitical instability reflects broader tensions in Gaza, Yemen, and the Lebanese-Syrian border. The Nujaba Movement claims that U.S. and Israeli moves are designed to provoke a response from Iraq’s resistance forces.
Amid recent conflicts stemming from Trump’s military actions against groups in Yemen and the ongoing crisis in Gaza, the situation remains volatile. On a recent discussion with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth acknowledged the necessity of the U.S.-Iraq partnership in facing shared threats, particularly regarding ISIS. Sudani reiterated the importance of dialogue and de-escalation in addressing crises in the region.
Yasser expressed concern over Trump’s military decisions, asserting they undermine American credibility and violate previous promises. He stressed that American actions will not alter the reality of resistance in the region, cautioning against the adoption of bullying tactics.
The Iraqi landscape has been marred by conflict since the 2003 U.S.-led invasion, leading to the rise of insurgencies. The Nujaba Movement, established in 2013 to support Syria, has since become a part of Iraq’s military framework against extremists. Although significant partners in the fight against ISIS, some factions continue to operate autonomously, leading to renewed tensions with U.S. forces over the years.
Despite expectations that Trump’s presidency would result in reduced military engagement in Iraq, the absence of a clear withdrawal commitment has heightened tensions. The Nujaba Movement is actively strategizing against potential adversarial actions, emphasizing their readiness to respond collaboratively with their allies in the Axis of Resistance. Yasser articulated that the Iraqi resistance is vigilant, prepared for all possible scenarios as tensions remain high in the region.
The Nujaba Movement, having emerged as a significant force post-ISIS, claims they are prepared to confront threats from Israel, stating that their readiness reflects historical trends of resistance. Acknowledging the evolving dynamics of warfare in the region, Yasser reiterated their commitment to work strategically in opposition to perceived aggressors, highlighting their cooperative stance with other regional factions.
The Nujaba Movement’s ultimatum to President Trump underscores the fragile state of U.S.-Iraqi relations and the volatility of the Middle East. As geopolitical tensions escalate, the militia remains steadfast in its commitment to retaliate against any threats from the U.S. or Israel, signaling a potential escalation in regional conflicts. The recent discussions between U.S. officials and Iraqi leaders reveal an ongoing struggle for effective diplomacy and security in a historically tumultuous region.
Original Source: www.newsweek.com
