Iraqi security forces backed by armor and special operations units enter the heavily fortified Green Zone to arrest pro-Iranian figures, in a dramatic push to curb Tehran’s influence and reassert state authority.
BAGHDAD — In a significant and unprecedented move, the Iraqi military has launched a major security operation in Baghdad’s heavily fortified Green Zone, targeting Iraqi politicians with ties to Iran . Government-aligned special operations forces, backed by Iraqi Army armor, moved to arrest several pro-Iranian politicians on Sunday, June 27, 2026 .
The operation involved a large-scale deployment of security forces into the Green Zone, which houses the U.S. Embassy, main government buildings, and foreign diplomatic missions . The area has been placed under lockdown, with strict controls at all access points . Witnesses reported hearing gunfire and observing the movement of tanks inside the high-security district .
Who is Being Targeted?
While no official statement or full list of detainees has been released by Iraqi authorities, local media and live event trackers are circulating the names of several prominent figures . Reports indicate that the Counter-Terrorism Service raided the headquarters of Mohammed al-Halbousi, a prominent Sunni politician . Among the names being circulated is Muthana Samarrai, the leader of the Sunni Azm alliance . While the exact charges have not been specified, the arrests are linked to a broad anti-corruption investigation that has ballooned following the detention and interrogation of a former deputy .
A ‘New Prime Minister’ and the Push Against Iranian Influence
The operation comes as Iraq’s new prime minister, Ali al-Zaidi, who took office last month, faces immense pressure from Washington to disarm Iran-backed militias and curb Tehran’s influence in the country . The U.S. has long called for Iraq to dismantle the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) and other armed groups that operate outside state control. During a recent meeting with U.S. envoy Tom Barrack, al-Zaidi discussed plans to ensure the “complete disarmament and disbandment of all armed groups” and that “Iraqi territory cannot be used by any side to threaten regional peace” . This operation appears to be a concrete step in that direction, serving as a direct test of al-Zaidi’s commitment to assert state sovereignty against Iranian-backed factions .
A Shift in Strategy
The move marks a significant departure from Iraq’s previous balancing act between its two major allies, the U.S. and Iran. In recent months, the IRGC has established covert new cells in Iraq to carry out attacks on Gulf countries, bypassing established militia networks to avoid detection and preserve deniability . This has put the Iraqi government in a difficult position, as attacks emanating from its soil threaten its relationship with wealthy Gulf neighbors . By targeting pro-Iranian politicians directly, the Iraqi government is signaling a willingness to confront Tehran’s influence head-on, rather than just its proxy militias.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What exactly happened in Baghdad’s Green Zone?
A: Iraqi security forces, including special operations units and military armor, entered the Green Zone in Baghdad to arrest several politicians with ties to Iran . The area has been placed under lockdown, and gunfire was reported .
Q2: Who is being arrested?
A: While Iraqi authorities have not released an official list, local media reports indicate that former Prime Minister Mohammed Shiaa al-Sudani may be among the targets . Other names being circulated include Mohammed al-Halbousi and Muthana Samarrai, the leader of the Sunni Azm alliance .
Q3: Why is this happening now?
A: The operation is part of a broader move by Iraq’s new government, under Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, to crack down on corruption and assert state control over armed groups . It follows intense U.S. pressure to disarm Iran-backed militias operating in the country .
Q4: How does this affect Iraq’s relationship with Iran?
A: This is a bold move that could strain relations with Tehran. The arrests directly target Iran’s allies in the Iraqi government and signal Baghdad’s intent to reduce Iranian influence, a shift from its traditional policy of balancing between the U.S. and Iran.
Q5: What is the legal basis for the arrests?
A: The arrests appear to be part of a wider anti-corruption investigation that involves the Iraqi judiciary. In the past, the judiciary has used anti-terrorism legislation to prosecute individuals involved in attacks on diplomatic missions . This new operation targets political figures, which is a significant escalation.
This is a developing story. Reflecto News will continue to provide updates on the situation in Baghdad, the identities of those arrested, and the implications for Iraq’s political stability and its relations with the United States and Iran.