Iran plans to train Iraq’s military officers, Iranian news sources reported February 9. Ever since the Islamic State moved into northern Iraq, Iran has capitalized on the unrest—using the violence to exert its own influence within the nation. This latest plan highlights the growing military cooperation between the two nations and shows the extent of Iran’s control.

Such unprecedented involvement would have been unimaginable 10 years ago when the two nations were still bitter enemies. Yet the Trumpet has been warning of Iranian control of Iraq for well over a decade.

When Saddam Hussein—one of the few leaders capable of standing up to Iran—was removed from power, Trumpet editor in chief Gerald Flurry stated, “Already, it is clear that Iran is eyeing the situation for opportunities. It would like nothing more than to extend its influence over the majority Shiite population in Iraq and assume control over its massive oil wealth” (Trumpet, June 2003).

At the time, some may have scoffed because American influence was heavy in Iraq, while Iran was squirming under the weight of international sanctions. But today’s Middle East is proving Mr. Flurry correct.

Today Iran conducts airstrikes in Iraq. It trains Shiite militias in Iraq. It has generals leading troops in Iraq. It flies aid and weapons into Iraq. And now it will even train officers in Iraq.

To date, Iran has effectively installed military advisers and generals within Shiite militia forces. Men such as Gen. Qassem Suleimani have had great success beating back Islamic State militias in Shiite areas of the nation. These successes may have been a factor in the Iraqi government allowing Iran to train its military officers as well.

While Iran has installed its own men into positions of authority previously, it now has the chance to train Iraqi men to the same ends. By training these soldiers, Iran has a window of opportunity to shape and mold Iraqi leadership. The likelihood is that these officers will be exposed to more than just military training. They will be under the constant influence of Iranian tacticians. These instructors will likely stem from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (irgc), which has provided most of the training for Shiite militias to date.

The ideals and objectives of the irgc are by no means moderate. As a terrorist group responsible for orchestrating attacks around the globe, the irgc is not an ideal group to educate soldiers. There is a real threat that the irgc’s radical ideals will be woven into the training program.

Another danger arises from Iran training Iraqi officers. Many of these officers have already been pretrained by the United States. While that training clearly hasn’t helped much in the face of the Islamic State onslaught, it provides Iran with another opportunity. By interacting with these officers, Iran can start learning U.S. tactics. Iraqi officers have undergone U.S. training exercises since the early days of the war in Iraq. As U.S. troops withdrew, that training intensified. Washington wanted the Iraqi Army to be able to stand alone, so it spared few expenses in providing training and equipment. All that training could now be passed on directly to the Iranians.

And it is all made possible by America’s recent hands-off policy.

Iran isn’t blind: It can see that the U.S. doesn’t want to reengage in Iraq, so it is doing all it can to fill that void. The difference is, when the U.S. was involved, it wanted to bring about change then leave. Iran’s motives are far more permanent.

Go back and read Gerald Flurry’s article titled “Is Iraq About to Fall to Iran?” Also, request our free booklet The King of the South for an even more detailed explanation of Iran’s rise in the Middle East.

Keep an eye on Iraq—Iran certainly is. Tehran wants control. Recent events and decisions like the training of Iraqi officers show Iran is getting precisely what it wants.