Iraq has condemned the recent desecration of the American flag during a Sovereignty Day parade in Baghdad, a gesture officials say is part of efforts to prevent a diplomatic crisis with the United States. The incident occurred last Friday as Iraq marked the withdrawal of U.S. forces from the country.

Photos circulated online showing pro-Iranian elements driving over American flags during the celebrations, drawing sharp criticism from U.S. lawmakers, including Representative Joe Wilson of South Carolina. The event, intended to commemorate Iraq’s regained sovereignty, instead sparked controversy amid ongoing tensions surrounding the future of Iran-backed militias in Iraq.

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, who has sought to maintain close ties with the Trump administration, promptly responded to the incident. On Sunday, the Prime Minister’s Office announced that Zaidi had ordered the arrest of those responsible for the flag desecration. Sabah Al-Nu’man, a spokesperson for the commander-in-chief of the Iraqi Armed Forces, confirmed that those involved in the violation had been detained and would face legal consequences in accordance with Iraqi law and diplomatic norms.

“The government affirms that Iraqi respect for the symbols of states and friendly diplomatic missions accredited in Iraq constitutes a legal and diplomatic obligation,” Al-Nu’man said, emphasizing that any offense against such symbols would be subject to accountability.

Despite the arrests, questions remain about how consistently Iraqi authorities will enforce actions against militia groups, especially those aligned with Iran. In the past, members of Iranian-backed militias have been detained only to be released within days. The current crackdown comes amid ongoing demands from these militias, which have called on the Iraqi government to meet certain “conditions” before they disarm, a process Zaidi aims to see completed by June next year.

Tensions continue as some militia leaders have vowed to persist in their anti-American demonstrations. Akram al-Kaabi, secretary-general of Harakat Hezbollah al-Nujaba (HHN), one of the Iranian-backed Shi’ite militias targeted by U.S. sanctions, posted a video showing himself stepping on the American flag. HHN has refused to disarm and remains a significant force within Iraq’s complex militia landscape.

The incident and its aftermath highlight the challenges faced by the Iraqi government as it tries to balance relations with the United States while managing the powerful Iranian-backed militias within its borders.