Iraqi activists seek to oust Iranian influence, normalize ties with Israel

FIRST ON FOX: Iraqis Launch "Iraq Only" Movement to Strengthen Ties with the U.S. and Counter Iranian Influence

A group of young Iraqi activists has embarked on a bold initiative called "Iraq Only," aimed at fostering stronger relations with the United States and curbing the influence of Iranian-backed militias in their country. The campaign, which gained momentum through grassroots efforts, involves symbolic acts of defiance, such as placing stickers featuring the Iraqi flag over images of militia leaders. This movement represents a courageous push by young Iraqis to reclaim their nation’s sovereignty and build a democratic, citizen-centered state free from external interference. At the heart of this effort is Muqtada al-Tamimi, a young businessman and activist who shared his harrowing experiences with Fox News Digital, including his kidnapping and torture at the hands of Iranian-aligned armed groups.

The Harsh Reality of Iranian Influence in Iraq: A Personal Account

Muqtada al-Tamimi, a late-20s businessman turned activist, has experienced firsthand the brutal consequences of challenging Iranian influence in Iraq. In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, al-Tamimi recounted how he and fellow activists were kidnapped, tortured, and held in illegal detention centers operated by Iranian-backed militias. For five days, they were subjected to physical abuse, shackled, and stripped of their personal belongings without any legal justification. Al-Tamimi lamented that activists like himself are persecuted simply for advocating for Iraqi nationalism and peace. He emphasized that Iranian militias operate with impunity, disregarding Iraq’s constitution and the rights of its citizens. “The people most harmed by Iranian militias are people like us who call for peace and co-existence in Iraq and with our neighboring countries,” he said.

A Vision for Iraq’s Future: Stability, Prosperity, and Alignment with the West

At the core of the "Iraq Only" movement is a vision of a strong, stable Iraq with a thriving economy integrated with the West. Al-Tamimi and his fellow activists believe that building an alliance with the United States and other Western nations is essential for Iraq’s prosperity and security. They argue that such a partnership would empower Iraq to stand on its own feet, free from the suffocating grip of Iranian influence. Al-Tamimi explained, “We believe that an Iraqi alliance with the West would make Iraq stronger, stable, and more prosperous.” This vision, however, is precisely what Iranian leaders fear most, as it threatens to undermine Tehran’s regional dominance and its ability to manipulate Iraq for its own geopolitical interests.

The Roots of the Movement: A Call for Peace and Normalization with Israel

The seeds of the "Iraq Only" movement were sown in 2021 when 312 Iraqi activists from both Shi’a and Sunni communities gathered in Erbil for a groundbreaking conference facilitated by the Center for Peace Communications (CPC). The conference called for peace, normalization with Israel, and an end to Iranian domination. Although the event sparked hope, it also drew fury from Iran-backed militias, which issued death threats against the organizers. The Iraqi government, under pressure from Tehran, went as far as issuing arrest warrants for the conference participants. CPC’s founder, Joseph Braude, praised the activists’ courage, saying, “The Iraq Only movement speaks to pent-up Iraqi demand for peace, development, and an end to Iranian domination. We wish these young men and women Godspeed in driving change.”

The Regional Struggle for Dominance: Iran’s Proxy Wars and U.S. Presence

Iraq has become a key battleground in the region’s power struggle between the United States and Iran. Tehran has long exploited its proxies in Iraq to exert influence and undermine Iraqi sovereignty. Among these proxies is the Islamic Resistance of Iraq (IRI), a coalition of armed factions under the umbrella of the Iran-backed "Axis of Resistance." These groups have been responsible for violent attacks on U.S. and coalition forces, including a deadly drone strike in January 2024 that killed three U.S. service members. Meanwhile, the presence of U.S. troops in Iraq remains uncertain, with only 2,500 soldiers currently stationed in the country. Despite this ambiguity, the "Iraq Only" movement firmly supports the U.S. presence, with al-Tamimi stating, “The American presence in Iraq does not at all contradict a strong Iraq but the opposite. A good relationship with the United States means a strong Iraq.”

A New Era of Hope: Iraq’s Alignment with the U.S. and Israel

One of the most controversial yet hopeful aspects of the "Iraq Only" movement is its embrace of Israel. Al-Tamimi expressed admiration for Israel, describing it as “a great country with a great culture” and emphasizing the potential for a strategic partnership between Iraq and Israel. He believes that such an alliance, coupled with stronger ties to the United States, could pave the way for a safer and more prosperous Iraq. The movement also views the fall of Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad as a positive development, hoping it will weaken Iran’s regional influence and create opportunities for peace and stability in the Middle East. As al-Tamimi noted, “The removal of the Assad regime is a very good step for undermining Iranian influence in the region and gives us as Iraqis hope for better change.” With courage, resilien