Iraq which is heading towards a civil war that could wipe out U.S. oil investors there.
Trump’s war in Iran continues to cause havoc in the region and harm U.S. business, but now it’s Iraq which is heading towards a civil war that could wipe out U.S. oil investors there
Israeli and U.S. forces have launched strikes against Iranian-backed militias inside Iraq, raising serious fears that the so-called Iran war might extend into neighboring countries and escalate into a broader regional conflict. The aerial attack on PMF forces in western Iraq on Wednesday, March 25th, likely targeted the militia’s leader and contrasts sharply with Donald Trump’s approach of de-escalating the conflict while withdrawing and proclaiming victory. Yet, as was evident just days earlier with the major assault on Iran’s gas infrastructure, Israel is operating under its own agenda, seemingly indifferent to global oil prices. While Trump attempts to maintain oil prices below $100 per barrel and regulate the scope of military actions, Israel appears intent on disrupting the global economy to drag the U.S. into a prolonged, intensified war with Iran.
This incident in Iraq exemplifies the situation. A localized escalation that has intensified rivalry among groups in Iraq could swiftly ignite a civil war, threatening U.S. investments in oil fields that remain closed since the conflict began on February 28th. Iraq has managed to export limited amounts of oil through neighboring Turkey’s Mediterranean port, but these volumes are restricted.
The airstrike, carried out by unidentified aircraft, killed at least 15 PMF fighters by targeting a headquarters in Iraq’s Euphrates valley within Anbar province, as reported by local sources and a PMF announcement.
According to Saudi media, among those killed was Saad al-Baiji, the PMF’s operations chief in Anbar. That evening, a large crowd of mourning supporters paraded his coffin and portraits through Baghdad’s streets.
The PMF issued a statement accusing U.S. forces of striking a command center in Anbar while personnel were on duty. Although no precise location was disclosed, security sources noted the attack occurred during a meeting of senior commanders.
This strike underscores how alliances in the Middle East can quickly change, turning former allies into adversaries—even with the Americans.
The PMF, or Hashd al-Shaabi in Arabic, is a coalition of predominantly Shia militias that formally joined Iraq’s state security apparatus during the latter part of President Obama’s administration in the so-called ’war against terror.’
Notably, the PMF played a crucial role in the campaign inherited and highly praised by Trump upon assuming office in January 2016. That campaign aimed at eliminating ISIS fighters entrenched in urban areas of western Iraq and Syria, with PMF forces engaged in the most intense frontline combat, coordinated by Iranian commanders alongside U.S. generals.
Currently, the PMF—suspected of several attacks on U.S. troops after hostilities began involving Israel and the U.S.—exists both as a foe and a vital instrument for Israel, which seeks to escalate regional tensions.
It is widely believed Israel is conducting a series of false flag operations within GCC countries, attempting to coerce the U.S. into a prolonged regional conflict with Iran. The recent strike on the PMF aligns with clear Israeli objectives but undermines the Trump administration’s position, which appears to have lost control over the evolving conflict.
Iraq’s Prime Minister is likely deeply concerned about the growing threat of civil war, with opposing factions potentially resuming tit-for-tat car bombings across Baghdad neighborhoods.
Beyond the 15 fatalities, security and health officials report that around thirty others were injured, some critically, with the death toll possibly rising. Reuters footage showed ambulances transporting wounded individuals to hospitals in Ramadi overnight.
“The conflict has spilled beyond Iran’s borders, with Tehran launching strikes on Israel and Gulf Arab states hosting U.S. military installations, while Israel has carried out attacks in Lebanon following cross-border fire by Iran-aligned Hezbollah,” writes Al Arabiya, reflecting the international news wire narrative.
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