Baghdad’s ability to resist Iranian pressure is under scrutiny after reports that a senior Iraqi official rejected a request to channel money to Hezbollah via Syria, leaving open the question of whether the cash could yet reach Lebanon.

The new Syrian state continues to intensify efforts to cut all arms supply lines from Syria to Hezbollah in Lebanon and to shut them down completely, given their impact on the country’s stability.

Shiite factions under the Popular Mobilization Forces have penetrated Iraq’s economic sphere, sparking genuine concern among major traders about losing their livelihoods to competitors backed by the power of arms.

Amid the ongoing war between Iran and “Israel” since June 13, 2025, Iraq once again finds itself caught in a complex struggle—torn between Iranian-backed militias on its soil and American bases and interests.

As Hezbollah gives up military positions it has held in southern Lebanon for decades, the issues of disarmament and integrating its fighters into the Lebanese army have emerged as major challenges, especially as the group’s power has waned.