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In a high-stakes meeting in Tehran, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei called for the removal of US forces from Iraq, describing their presence as "illegitimate" and a threat to Iraqi sovereignty. His comments, made during talks with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani on Wednesday, have sparked fresh concerns over escalating tensions in the region.

Khamenei emphasised the critical importance of Iraq's security and stability for both nations, accusing the US of consolidating its presence in the country. "There is clear evidence that the Americans are seeking to expand their foothold in Iraq, and this occupation must be firmly confronted," he stated in a series of posts on X, formerly known as Twitter.

The Supreme Leader also stressed the strategic role of Iraq's Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), a coalition of armed groups integrated into the Iraqi security apparatus. "The PMF is a cornerstone of Iraq's security, and its continued support is essential," he added.

Diverging perspectives

Khamenei's remarks come as Iraq navigates a precarious balancing act between fostering relations with Iran and maintaining ties with the US, which retains troops in the country under the banner of advisory support.

"Iran views the Americans as occupiers, while the Iraqi government officially declares their presence as advisory," Iraqi political and security analyst Ghani Ghadban said to °®Âþµº.Ìý"There is a planned withdrawal of US forces from Iraq, with all parties committed to a schedule. However, Iran continues to push for an immediate and complete removal."

Addressing Khamenei's statements, Ghadban noted, "The remarks reflect the Supreme Leader's personal views, but Iraq's government, through its diplomatic policies, is working to distance the country from becoming entangled in ongoing conflicts."

A key point of discussion in Tehran was the role of armed factions linked to Iran's "Resistance Axis," which stretches across Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon. Ghadban elaborated on the internal and regional implications of these groups.

"The PMF and other factions have long been tied to Iran's strategy in the region," he said. "One major issue discussed was how their weapons could be brought under the control of the Iraqi state. Many faction leaders are beginning to sense the risks posed by the US presence and are gradually aligning with new realities."

"This shift," Ghadban added, "is evident through direct or indirect communications emphasising the need to protect Iraq's democracy and consolidate the system established over the past 21 years. Iraq is taking steps to align its democratic progress with diplomatic initiatives."

ÌýReactions and concerns

Hiba Abdel Wahab, a Washington DC-based specialist in Middle Eastern and North African affairs, highlighted the broader international implications of the meeting.

"It is evident, beyond any room for interpretation or differing analysis, that Iraq has explicitly and clearly taken a stance on the US pressure to dissolve the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) and armed factions not affiliated with the Ministry of Defence. As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to officially assume office at the White House, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani has publicly stated that there is no intention to dissolve the PMF,"Ìýshe told °®Âþµº via email.

"The US strongly opposes the presence of Iranian-backed armed factions in Iraq, viewing them as proxies of Tehran. Washington sees these groups as a threat to regional stability and its shared interests with Baghdad."

Abdel Wahab noted that the factions themselves have repeatedly called for the removal of US forces. "Some leaders have gone as far as demanding the expulsion of American troops from Iraqi soil," she said.

She also pointed to the international community's alignment with the US position on armed groups in Iraq. "A UN representative recently emphasised the importance of limiting weapons to state control as a means of strengthening Iraq's sovereignty," she explained.

Looking at US policy, Abdel Wahab observed, "As for President-elect Donald Trump, his well-known firm approach and strict deterrence policies are expected to shape US strategy. Washington views Iraqi armed factions as direct extensions of Iran and its proxies in the region. Consequently, the US approach to these factions is likely to mirror its handling of Hezbollah in Lebanon or the Houthi leadership in Yemen."

Abdel Wahab concluded, "Given these developments, Iran appears determined to continue its confrontation with the United States, with Iraq potentially becoming a primary theatre for this struggle."

Economic and strategic cooperation

While tensions dominated the headlines, the meetings also focused on strengthening economic and bilateral ties. Al-Sudani's delegation held talks with Iranian President Masoud Pazeshkian and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf.

Discussions included enhancing trade, energy cooperation, and infrastructure projects such as the Basra-Shalamcheh railway connection, which has long been delayed. President Pazeshkian described Iraq as a "strategic partner" and praised progress on implementing the 2023 security agreement.

Al-Sudani underscored the importance of collaboration, stating, "Mutual understanding and partnership are essential to achieving shared prosperity and stability."

The Tehran talks underline Iraq's efforts to navigate its role in the complex geopolitics of the Middle East. With the US and Iran vying for influence, analysts warn that Iraq risks becoming a battleground for competing powers.

As tensions rise and regional dynamics shift, Iraq's actions in the coming months could determine whether it remains a stabilising force or a flashpoint in the US-Iran confrontation.