Hamas and the Houthis have opened offices in Baghdad, reflecting the two groups’ evolving relationship with Iraq as Tehran works to build a regional power bloc.According to The New York Times, the Hamas and the Houthis have recently opened offices in Baghdad, signaling a growing relationship between the two groups and Iraq. This development comes as Iran works to build a regional power bloc, and the offices are closely guarded with no signs on the door.

The Iraqi government quietly allowed both Iranian-backed groups to establish a more permanent presence in Baghdad earlier this summer, after years of their representatives visiting. While Iraqi officials deny this publicly, photos of the groups in Iraq have been circulating on social media. This move by Iraq reflects its increasing role in the ongoing shadow war between Iran, Israel, and the United States.

For over two decades, Iraq has struggled to maintain a delicate balance between its neighbor Iran and the United States, which still has a significant military presence in the country. However, in recent years, the balance has shifted in favor of Iran as it has worked to expand its influence in Iraq by recruiting and funding sympathetic forces. This is part of a larger effort by Tehran to create a regional bloc of Shiite power, which includes Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen.

Iran has also pushed for the Iraqi government to legitimize Shiite militias, some with ties to Tehran, by incorporating them into Iraq’s security apparatus. These forces have also formed successful political parties, with a coalition winning enough seats in the 2021 election to choose the prime minister.

The New York Times reports that the Houthis and Hamas opening offices in Baghdad is a reflection of Iran’s efforts to build a regional power bloc and Iraq’s growing role in the ongoing conflict between Iran, Israel, and the United States. 

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