Iranian Proposals to Iraqi Militias: Iran is reportedly attempting to force its large proxy and partner militias in Iraq to move into politics, possibly to discourage US sanctions enforcement that would prevent Iran from using the Iraqi economy to evade sanctions. Iran may decide to build a loyal cadre of ideological militias, over which Iran has strong control, that will supplement pro-Iranian political parties in parliament while avoiding sanctions.
Assessed Iraqi Reaction to Iranian Proposals: Most militias will likely resist Iran’s proposals because their military wings are both their raison d’être and a tool to enforce their will on other Iraqis. A smaller group of militias—possibly including the Badr Organization—may acquiesce to Iranian demands and integrate their militias into the PMF while focusing on politics. This would not indicate that Badr has moderated, but instead that it seeks to position itself as a preeminent pro-Iranian political force in Iraq.
US Warning to Iranian-Backed Iraqi Militias: US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned Iraqi Defense Minister Thabet al Abbasi that the United States would act against any Iranian-backed Iraqi militias that interfered with US operations in the region, particularly in Syria. Iraqi media have mischaracterized the US message as a warning of impending regional conflict.
Iran Update, November 4, 2025 (Institute for the Study of War)
Related articles
