According to reports from the Iraqi Shafaqi News Agency on August 11, sources within Iraq's security forces revealed that Ismail Qanini, commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' 'Quds Force', arrived in Baghdad on the evening of the 10th and met with Iraqi Shiite political alliances as well as various militia organizations in Iraq.
According to sources, without prior announcement, Carden led a high-level military and security delegation to Iraq. They met with officials from the largest party group in the Iraqi National Assembly, the ‘Coordination Framework Alliance’, as well as leaders of several militias. The meeting focused on issues related to Iraq’s weapons control and the possibility of allowing Iraq to export oil through the Strait of Hormuz.
The Iraqi government is attempting to strengthen its control over local militia organizations. It has demanded that these militias disarm by September 30th, and have their weapons placed under state control. The ruling coalition in Iraq warns that any armed organization that operates outside the framework of state management will be considered "illegal" and will face sanctions.
According to the Safaqi News Agency, some militia groups have expressed their willingness to cooperate with the Iraqi government. However, some Shia militia groups such as the Hezbollah, the Nujaibah Movement, and the Martyrs Brigade have refused to disarm. These groups demand that foreign troops be withdrawn from Iraq and that Iraq be protected from external attacks.
Meanwhile, as the conflict between the United States and Iran escalates, the closure of the Hormuz Strait has severely affected Iraq's oil exports. Iraq's Oil Minister, Bashir Mohammed Hudaier, stated on the 8th that after the Strait was closed, Iraq's oil exports decreased by 75%. He revealed that Iraq is negotiating with Iran regarding the permission to export its oil.
