Archive · 28 Jan 2026
Iran's Militia Strategy and Rising Tensions
Iran has a plan to be strong in its region.
It uses groups of fighters in Iraq and Yemen to help it.
These groups get money, training, and weapons from Iran.
In Iraq, some of these groups are called militias, and they sometimes fight against the US.
The US says these groups are bad and has named some of them as terrorist groups.
In Yemen, Iran helps a group called the Houthis.
The Houthis get weapons and other help from Iran.
This helps Iran be stronger and have more say in what happens in the region.
Meanwhile, Israel's leader said that if Iran attacks Israel, Israel will respond very strongly.
Iran also warned that if neighboring countries help the US against Iran, they will be considered enemies.
Iran uses militias in Iraq and Yemen to project influence and counter US presence.
The Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) in Iraq includes many factions aligned with Iran.
Four Iranian-aligned Iraqi militias were designated as Foreign Terrorist Organizations by the US in September 2025.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu warns Iran of unprecedented consequences if it attacks Israel.
IRGC warns neighboring countries will be considered hostile if used against Iran by the US.
- Who
- Iran, Iraqi militias, US, Houthis in Yemen, Israel, IRGC
- What
- Iran's use of militias in Iraq and Yemen, rising tensions between Iran, Israel, and the US
- When
- Ongoing, with specific US designations in September 2025 and recent warnings in January 2024
- Where
- Iraq, Yemen, West Asia
- Why
- To project influence, counter the US, shape regional conflicts, and respond to perceived threats
- Key Militias in Iraq
- Harakat al-Nujaba, Kata’ib Sayyid al-Shuhada, Harakat Ansar Allah al-Awfiya, Kata’ib al-Imam Ali, Kata’ib Hezbollah
- US Designation
- Four Iraqi militias designated as Foreign Terrorist Organizations in September 2025
- Iran's Support for Houthis
- Political, financial, and material support, including weapons and missile components
- US Attacks Attributed
- Attacks on US personnel and facilities in Iraq
- Kata’ib Hezbollah's Goal
- Expel US forces from Iraq
- Netanyahu's Warning
- Israel will respond with unprecedented force if Iran attacks
- IRGC Warning
- Neighboring countries will be considered hostile if used against Iran
Sources
US vs Iran: How Tehran uses militias in Iraq and Yemen to counter Washington | Iran’s regional strategy explained
‘If their soil, sky, or waters are used against Iran...’: IRGC’s warning to neighbouring nations, says they’ll be considered ‘hostile’
