Political parties in Iraq have carried out intense efforts over the past two days to contain the escalation in the country in wake of increased attacks on the US embassy in Baghdad by pro-Iran factions, sources told Asharq Al-Awsat.
The efforts aim to also prevent Iraq from sliding into a broader conflict that may threaten its internal stability amid the US-Israeli conflict on Iran.
Government and political leaderships have exerted direct and indirect pressure on the leaders of the armed factions to cease the rocket and drone attacks against the embassy, saying they may have consequences on national security.
The judiciary has also warned that it will hold perpetrators accountable.
Washington, for its part, has delivered "firm" messages through official channels that it would take escalatory measures should its diplomatic missions and interests in Iraq continue to be attacked.
NATO quits Iraq
Meanwhile, NATO withdrew all of its troops from an advisory mission in Iraq, the military alliance said on Friday, as the repercussions of the Iran war spread across the Middle East.
"I would like to thank the Republic of Iraq and all the Allies who assisted in the safe relocation of NATO personnel from Iraq," US Air Force Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Europe, said in a statement.
The statement said the mission had relocated "all its personnel" from the Middle East to Europe. A NATO official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that amounted to "several hundred" troops.
In recent days, several countries including Poland, Spain and Croatia have announced they have withdrawn troops from the Middle East, citing the conflict in Iran and the wider Gulf region.
NATO said its mission would continue from a military headquarters in Naples, Italy. The mission does not have a combat role. It focuses on advising Iraqi security forces and helping them build up their capacities, according to NATO.
"I would also like to thank the dedicated men and women of NATO Mission Iraq, who continued their mission throughout this period. They are true professionals," Grynkewich said.
Undisclosed agreements
Signals on the ground point to undisclosed agreements being reached between Iraqi parties aimed at easing the escalation and ending attacks on the US embassy and the logistic support base at Baghdad airport.
Sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that separate meetings have been held in Baghdad’s Green Zone between Iraqi officials and representatives of the armed forces, and Iraqi officials with the US charge d’affaires, to discuss means to de-escalate the situation.
The Kataib Hezbollah announced a five-day truce on condition that attacks on its positions cease. It also called on Israel to stop its attacks on Beirut’s southern suburbs, that Washington commits to not attack residential areas in Iraq and that it reduces the number of its intelligence agents outside the embassy.
The sources said the US has not replied to the proposal.
On the ground, no drone buzzing or rocket fire was heard over Baghdad, a departure from previous days, meaning political efforts have somewhat succeeded in restoring calm. However, the US and Israel have continued to strike positions inside Iraq that are affiliated with the armed factions.
Western sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that Washington will continue to strike the Iran-backed factions in retaliation to their attacks in Iraq and to neutralize their threat.
Over 160 members of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) were killed and injured in US-Israeli strikes, revealed Hadi al-Ameri, Secretary-General of the Badr Organization.
