Iran-backed Iraqi militias may lash out amid increased pressure from US - analysis

Analysis: Iran-backed Iraqi militias, particularly Kataib Hezbollah, may lash out amid increased US pressure on Iran. The militia has challenged Iraqi PM Ali al-Zaidi, accusing him of amassing billions in illicit wealth. Kataib Hezbollah has a history of attacks on US forces and was designated a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the US.

As Iran faces increased US pressure through sanctions, a Gulf blockade, and efforts to cut off its land and Caspian supply routes, the Iran-backed militias in Iraq may lash out. The article focuses on Kataib Hezbollah, which has publicly challenged Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, accusing him of amassing billions of dollars in alleged illicit wealth. Kataib Hezbollah's security chief, Abu Mujahid al-Assaf, published a statement on Telegram questioning how Zaidi built a financial empire of nearly 21 trillion dinars (over $13 billion) in less than 10 years. The militia also warned against opening files on alleged plots targeting the Kurdistan Region's Khor Mor gas field. The article notes that Kataib Hezbollah has a history of attacks on US forces, including killing three American service members in Jordan in January 2024, and kidnapping researcher Elizabeth Tsurkov. The US has designated Kataib Hezbollah and several other Iraqi militias as Foreign Terrorist Organizations. PM Zaidi has set a deadline of June 2027 for armed factions to surrender their weapons. The article also reports that Zaidi ordered the cancellation of three commercial contracts at Mosul International Airport over companies' alleged links to armed groups.