Iran-backed Shiite militias in Iraq are hoping victories in the parliamentary elections on Tuesday will deepen their sway, the Financial Times reported on Monday, in polls Tehran views as a boon to its flagging regional fortunes.
The Coordination Framework—a coalition of pro-Iran parties and factions within the Popular Mobilization Units (PMU)—have refrained from engaging in direct conflict with Israel since the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack.
Their low profile stands in contrast to Iran-aligned forces in Gaza, Lebanon and Yemen, which have taken a more confrontational stance.
This strategic restraint amid a broader regional conflict has enabled Iraqi militias to focus on domestic politics, the FT reported.
By avoiding escalatory drone or missile strikes that have drawn retaliation against Iran’s other allies, the militias have preserved their operational strength—transforming potential battlegrounds into electoral strongholds.
“Iraq is both a historic ally and a cash cow for Iran. What [Tehran] wants is a stable Iraq to ensure money flows to them and their allies,” the Financial Times quoted an unnamed source familiar with internal political dynamics told
Key figures within the Coordination Framework—including leaders from Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq and Kata'ib Hezbollah - are leveraging their roles in the fight against ISIS and their involvement in post-war reconstruction to appeal to voters disillusioned by corruption and economic stagnation, the daily reported.
Strategic restraint
Citing internal documents and interviews, the FT reported that the coalition plans to contest up to 150 of the 329 parliamentary seats in the November 11 elections. A strong showing could allow them to shape the next government and secure control over key ministries such as defense and interior.
With Hezbollah suffering heavy losses in Lebanon, Hamas weakened in Gaza and Bashar al-Assad ousted in Syria, Tehran’s influence has reined, likely making Iraq an important venue for its regional outreach.
The lack of confrontation as the region was hit with heavy fighting, the paper reported, may indicate that Iraqi factions are prioritizing their economic privileges.
“Forget Iran and forget ideology: the factions are now playing with major money and they’re afraid to lose it either by getting bombed or sanctioned,” the FT quoted a senior Iraqi Shia politician close to militia groups as saying.
