Iraq’s parliamentary elections at a critical regional crossroads

As Iraq approaches its new parliamentary elections, the country finds itself at a pivotal moment amid sweeping and rapid developments across West Asia. These elections will not only determine Baghdad’s political trajectory but will also directly influence the balance of power between national movements and resistance forces on one side, and foreign interventions—particularly by the United States—on the other.

Despite enduring economic hardships and foreign pressure, the Iraqi people remain steadfast in defending their political independence and national sovereignty. Meanwhile, Washington is seeking to exploit the electoral atmosphere to curtail the influence of resistance groups and to reshape Iraq’s political architecture in favor of factions aligned with American interests.

In this context, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth recently issued a series of threatening remarks directed at Baghdad, hinting at the possibility of imminent military action. In his statement, he implicitly demanded that the Iraqi government prevent any participation by popular forces and resistance groups in security or political affairs.

Such threats are part of a broader American strategy aimed at disarming and constraining Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) and other resistance movements—a continuation of Washington’s interventionist and expansionist policies in the region, designed ultimately to serve the interests of the Zionist regime.

Nevertheless, the reality on the ground in Iraq reveals that the resistance forces enjoy deep-rooted and legitimate public support. They have played a historic role not only in defeating the Takfiri terrorism of ISIS but also in safeguarding Iraq’s unity and territorial integrity.

This background has led to growing public confidence in the resistance movement ahead of the elections, as Iraqis recognize that their nation’s security and stability owe much to these popular forces.

At a time when the United States is intensifying its threats, economic pressure, psychological warfare, and political interference to once again turn Iraq into a theater of influence and internal division, it is crucial for all national and popular movements to uphold unity and solidarity. Iraq’s enemies must not be allowed to exploit the elections as a tool to deepen divisions between the resistance and other political groups.

The upcoming elections represent a historic opportunity for the Iraqi people to reaffirm their sovereignty through broad and informed participation, preventing a repeat of the bitter experiences of occupation and dependency. Iraq’s future belongs to those who stood firm for its independence and dignity—not to those who look to Washington for direction.

At this critical juncture, awareness, unity, and support for the resistance movement are the keys to guiding Iraq out of crisis and securing its political independence. Once again, through their votes, the Iraqi people can send a resounding message to the world: No to occupation, no to foreign interference, and yes to resistance and independence.