Young Iraqis Launch “Iraq Only” Initiative to Curb Iranian Influence

A group of passionate young Iraqis has come together to create the “Iraq Only” initiative, a grassroots movement aimed at reducing the pervasive influence of Iran in Iraq. Their mission is clear: to promote national sovereignty, uphold the rule of law, and establish a democratic, citizen-driven state free from the control of Iranian-backed militias. This initiative represents a growing desire among the Iraqi populace for self-determination and stronger ties with the United States and the West.

Challenging Iranian Influence

In a bold act of defiance, activists associated with the “Iraq Only” movement have been placing stickers featuring the Iraqi flag over images of militia leaders, symbolizing their longing for an independent Iraq. Key figure Muqtada al-Tamimi, who is deeply involved in the initiative, spoke exclusively to Fox News Digital about the harrowing experiences he has faced as an activist. Al-Tamimi has openly faced threats such as kidnapping and torture by Iranian-backed armed groups.

“We as activists suffer the most from Iranian influence over Iraq. Many of us have been kidnapped, tortured, or even killed,” al-Tamimi said, highlighting the personal risks involved in standing up against these forces. He recounted how he and fellow activists were abducted, imprisoned in illegal militia-operated detention centers, and subjected to severe abuses without any legal recourse.

Al-Tamimi criticized the unchecked power of these militias, which operate beyond the law, infringing upon the rights of Iraqi citizens. “We are persecuted just for raising our own flag, the Iraqi flag,” he lamented.

A Vision for a Stronger Iraq

The “Iraq Only” movement envisions an Iraq that is stable, economically integrated, and closely allied with the West. “We believe that an alliance with the West would make Iraq stronger, stable, and more prosperous,” al-Tamimi asserted. He noted that the movement’s push for greater cooperation with the United States and other Western nations is perceived by Tehran as a significant threat.

The initiative began to take shape in 2021, when 312 representatives from various Iraqi Shiite and Sunni communities convened in Erbil at a conference orchestrated by the Center for Peace Communications (CPC). This conference aimed to promote regional peace and normalize relations with Israel, but it was met with backlash from Iranian-backed militias, resulting in death threats and arrest warrants for its organizers.

“The Iraq Only movement speaks to pent-up Iraqi demand for peace, development, and an end to Iranian domination,” observed Joseph Braude, founder and president of CPC. He expressed hope that the U.S. would support these courageous young activists in their mission.

Iraq as a Battleground for Influence

Historically, Iraq has been a focal point in the ongoing power struggle between the United States and Iran. Tehran leverages its allies within Iraq to expand its regional influence and undermine Iraqi sovereignty through various proxy forces, such as the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) and the Islamic Resistance of Iraq (IRI).

Since the recent escalation of regional tensions, the IRI—a coalition of Iran-backed armed factions—has intensified its operations against both Israeli and U.S. forces. Notably, in January 2024, the group claimed responsibility for a deadly attack that resulted in the deaths of three U.S. service members in Jordan.

Despite the ongoing turmoil, the “Iraq Only” movement supports the continued presence of U.S. troops in Iraq. “The American presence in Iraq does not contradict a strong Iraq—it strengthens it,” al-Tamimi stated, acknowledging the sacrifices made by American forces to maintain Iraq’s stability and security since the 2003 invasion.

Seeking Regional Cooperation, Including Israel

One of the more controversial aspects of the movement is its openness to engaging with Israel. Al-Tamimi remarked, “Israel is a great country with a rich culture. As we strive for a stronger Iraq, we should consider building a strong partnership with Israel if needed.” He emphasized that the alliance between Iran and Iraq has been profoundly damaging to the Iraqi populace, leading to destroyed infrastructure and weakened state institutions.

Reducing Iranian interference, al-Tamimi argues, will pave the way for Iraq to cultivate a safer and more prosperous future. “We think that by strengthening our relationship with Israel and the United States, we will also build a stronger Iraq,” he insisted.

Hope for the Future

Looking beyond Iraq, al-Tamimi identifies recent developments in neighboring Syria, particularly the downfall of long-standing dictator Bashar al-Assad, as an encouraging sign for diminishing Iranian influence in the region. “The removal of the Assad regime is a step in the right direction,” he asserted. “It brings hope for better change in the Middle East and a future where Iraq can thrive independently.”

The “Iraq Only” movement embodies the aspirations of a younger generation of Iraqis, who are intent on reclaiming their national sovereignty and pushing for a democratic framework that empowers their citizens. Through their efforts, they seek to foster partnerships that will help Iraq break free from the dominance of Iranian influence and shape a more stable and prosperous future.