Firas Al Jaser demands that the United States fulfill commitments to withdraw forces from Iraq by the end of 2025 amidst escalating regional tensions.
A high-ranking official of the Iraqi Shiite militia has stated that the United States, under President
Donald Trump, must adhere to the commitments made by his predecessor,
Joe Biden, to withdraw American troops from Iraq by the end of 2025. Firas Al Jaser, a member of the Political Council of the Nujaba Movement, emphasized that the U.S. must honor its promises to the Iraqi government, particularly after recent escalations that have heightened tensions in the Middle East.
Jaser declared, "Trump is obligated to withdraw his forces from Iraq by the end of 2025, and they must fulfill their promises made to the Iraqi government." He further asserted that U.S. occupation forces "cannot withstand advanced and modern resistance attacks."
The Nujaba Movement is part of a coalition of Iraqi Shiite factions operating under the umbrella of the "Islamic Resistance in Iraq," which has been involved in a broader coalition known as the "Axis of Resistance".
This coalition is oriented towards Iran, which has intervened on behalf of the Palestinian group Hamas during its conflict with Israel.
Although Iraqi factions had largely suspended their campaign of rocket attacks on U.S. troops since February 2024, tensions involving both the U.S. and Israel have resurfaced in recent weeks.
Al Jaser’s comments followed the announcement by Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein that Baghdad had received intelligence regarding potential Israeli plans to attack Iraq.
Hussein stated that while an immediate risk had been averted, the threat of a possible Israeli military action remains.
Jaser noted, "These warnings are nothing new.
Israel has previously threatened Iraq.
We do not rule out that America and Israel intend to escalate the situation in the region.
What is happening in Gaza, Yemen, and on the Syrian-Lebanese border confirms the provocative operations being carried out." He reiterated that should there be an attack on the Nujaba Movement or the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, there would be ramifications, highlighting that the Iraqi resistance is focusing on Israel as part of its support and defense of the people in Gaza.
In light of previous escalations against Iran and Iranian-affiliated militias in Iraq, Trump's initial approach raised hopes among some factions of the Islamic Resistance regarding a reduction of U.S. military involvement abroad.
However, the White House has yet to implement a withdrawal plan initially proposed by Biden.
In Syria, recent reports indicate that over 1,000 Alawites—members of the religious group affiliated with President Bashar al-Assad—have been killed in two days, with civilian death tolls likely much higher as new Syrian authorities conduct retaliatory actions against this group, which has historically supported Assad's regime.
Amidst the chaos, the Nujaba Movement, alongside other factions of the Islamic Resistance, has positioned itself as a committed ally of the Iranian Axis of Resistance, particularly following the setbacks faced by Hezbollah and the collapse of the Assad government in Syria.
Jaser asserted a readiness to formulate a unified response against perceived threats to Iraq.
"I believe we are in a phase where all options are possible, and the Iraqi Islamic Resistance is on standby anticipating any developments," he said.
He also revealed that coordination is ongoing among all groups of the Axis of Resistance to prepare for any approaching confrontation, emphasizing collective strength in their operations.
Jaser concluded by asserting, "Israel may witness the strength of the Resistance fighters."