Iranian FM Araghchi heads to Iraq amid rumors of Baghdad Green Zone raid

Key Points:

• Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is visiting Iraq amid regional tensions, signaling Tehran's intent to reinforce its partnership with Baghdad following US concerns over Iranian-backed militias in Iraq.
• The visit coincides with rumors of an Iraqi security raid in the Green Zone targeting senior officials, possibly linked to an anti-corruption drive or efforts to curb Iranian influence amid Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi's push to control militias.
• Iraq's foreign minister emphasized reopening the Strait of Hormuz and lifting the US naval blockade on Iran during discussions with Araghchi, while rejecting escalation of conflict in the Gulf and attacks on Iran.
• Iran continues to conduct attacks on Gulf states, drawing condemnation from Kuwait, Bahrain, and the US, with Iranian-backed militias in Iraq responsible for hundreds of attacks, including on US diplomatic facilities.
• US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the Gulf Cooperation Council condemned Iranian proxy attacks, urging Iraq to restrict weapons to state control and safeguard diplomatic missions, highlighting international pressure on Baghdad to manage militia activities.