Tehran-backed Iraqi militias have declared their intent to expand the Israel-Iran war into a broader regional conflict, heightening fears of a wider Middle East escalation. The True Promise Corps, a faction within the Iran-aligned Islamic Resistance in Iraq, announced plans to target Israeli sites and interests across the region.
“We declare that all the sites and camps of the entity [Israel] and anyone who supports it in the region are targets for us,” stated Mohammed Al Tamimi, the group’s leader. This shift marks a departure from the earlier stance of these groups, which had limited their involvement unless the United States directly intervened in support of Israel.
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq has previously carried out attacks on Israeli and U.S. forces, citing Israel’s campaign in Gaza. Al Tamimi also named Erbil, the capital of Iraqi Kurdistan, as a potential target due to allegations of Israeli intelligence operations in the region.
Iranian-aligned groups like the Kataib Hezbollah faction echoed the sentiment, warning the U.S. against involvement. “If America intervenes in the war, we will act without any hesitation against its interests and bases in the region,” the group said. They called for the closure of the U.S. embassy and the expulsion of American troops.
Despite diplomatic efforts, Baghdad faces intense pressure. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al Sudani told Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian that Iraq seeks to avoid becoming a battleground. In response, Iran urged Iraq to protect its airspace.
Iraqi analyst Ihsan Al Shammari warned that the government lacks the ability to restrain the militias. “The overt role of these factions might be postponed to a future phase,” he said. “For now, Iranians prefer to maintain one of their elements of strength in Iraq.”
