Iran transfers missiles to Iraqi Militias amid Nuclear talks with U.S.

In a significant move, Iran has transferred long-range missiles to its proxy militias in Iraq, marking the first such transfer of advanced weaponry to the region. The move comes just days before the Iranian government is set to hold nuclear talks with the United States in Oman. According to reports from The Times, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) delivered a variety of missiles, including long-range surface-to-surface missiles and shorter-range ballistic and cruise missiles, to its allied forces in Iraq, substantially enhancing their military capabilities.

This missile transfer follows shortly after the Iranian regime agreed to discuss its nuclear program with U.S. officials, a meeting that is scheduled to take place in Oman. Sources from regional intelligence services confirmed that the shipment included Quds 351 cruise missiles and Jamal 69 ballistic missiles, further expanding the arsenal of Iran’s proxies in Iraq. Despite this escalation, a leader in the Harakat al-Nujaba militia rejected reports that the militias were planning to disarm in response to the growing threat of U.S. airstrikes.

The decision to send these advanced missiles to Iraq appears to be a response to a complex set of domestic and international pressures. On one hand, the regime is seeking to demonstrate strength and support for its hardline domestic base, which has grown increasingly disillusioned with the regime’s diplomatic actions, particularly after the killing of General Qasem Soleimani and the perceived weakening of Iranian influence in Syria. On the other hand, Iran is also trying to avert military confrontation with the U.S. and Israel, who have ramped up their presence and operations in the region.

Kasra Aarabi, Director of IRGC Research at United Against Nuclear Iran, suggests that the Iranian regime is struggling to balance its domestic political dynamics with its external security concerns. The hardline base of the IRGC, which once viewed the regime as ideologically committed to confronting Israel and the U.S., is increasingly frustrated by what they perceive as hesitancy and compromises made by the leadership. This dissatisfaction is fueled by military setbacks in Syria and attacks on Israel that failed to yield significant results.

Despite these internal challenges, the Iranian leadership is walking a fine line between maintaining support at home and avoiding military escalation abroad. As talks with the U.S. continue, Iran is hoping to manage the delicate balance between negotiations and its regional military ambitions. If these talks fail or further compromise its ideological stance, experts warn that military confrontation may become increasingly likely.