High stakes game: Is Iran sending missiles to militias in Iraq? - analysis

Jerusalem Post - 09/04
Iran is messaging that it is prepared to keep its arms while also pretending it might comply with demands to rein in its power in Iraq.

Iran may be providing various types of surface-to-surface missiles to militias in Iraq, according to a new report by the UK's The Times on Wednesday.

The report depicts this as part of Iran’s high stake chess game in the region, as the US and Iran head to indirect talks in Oman. In addition, the US is carrying out airstrikes on the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen.

Therefore, Iran may want to improve the position of militias in Iraq. These militias are part of an umbrella group called the Popular Mobilization Forces. The reports of the missile transfer stand in contrast to a Reuters report on April 7 that suggested the Iranian-backed militias might be willing to disarm due to threats and pressure from the US. 

It would be difficult to believe both reports are accurate. The Reuters report was based on anonymous sources within four of the militias. The report claimed to have spoken with ten...
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