Militia

US resumes transfer of American currency to Iraq after Iran-related suspension - report

The report cited an Iraqi Kurdish official who attributed the measures as a response to the smuggling of US dollars by Iran-backed Iraqi militias.

 An American $100 dollar bill.
Members of the Kurdistan Democratic Party of Iran (KDPI) participate in a military drill in an outpost near Erbil, Kurdistan region of Iraq on January 15, 2026.

Spreading Kurdish militant attacks pressure Iran as it navigates fragile US diplomacy - analysis

Members of the Kurdistan Democratic Party of Iran (KDPI) participate in a military drill in an outpost near Erbil, Kurdistan region of Iraq on January 15, 2026.

Will Iraq finally help protect Kurdistan's oil fields from drone attacks? - analysis

Iraqi Prime Minister-designate Ali al-Zaidi speaks during a parliamentary session to vote in a new government at the parliament headquarters in Baghdad, Iraq, May 14, 2026.

Iraq in transition: Baghdad pushes weapons monopoly amid reforms - analysis


Iranian regime relying on foreign militias to bolster security efforts, suppress protests - report

Iran’s government has not officially acknowledged the role of these foreign militias.

A member of Iranian militia forces (Basij) gestures during an anti-Israeli march in Tehran, Iran, January 10, 2025; illustrative.

Fourteen Pakistani police officers killed in car bombing, ambush in Bannu

Three personnel have been found alive and transferred to the hospital, the officer added.

Residents gather as heavy machinery clears the rubble of a damaged police post after a car bombing in Bannu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan May 10, 2026. Picture taken with a mobile phone.

United States faces crossroads in Iraq as new prime minister is appointed - analysis

However, as the US seeks to put on a positive face regarding the incoming prime minister, the US is also announcing new rewards for information on several key Iraqi militia leaders.

A boy holds an Iraqi flag near the Iranian embassy during a gathering following the announcement of a ceasefire between Iran and the United States, in Baghdad, Iraq, April 8, 2026.

Israel prepared to renew Iran war, awaiting 'green light' from Trump, Katz says

Katz noted that the IDF was awaiting the green light from the US, adding that future attacks would be "different and deadly," targeting "the most painful places."

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz attends an event for outstanding soldiers as part of Israel’s 78th Independence Day celebrations in Jerusalem on April 20, 2026.

Iran relying on Pakistani, Middle East militias in efforts to curb renewed protests, expert says

The regime appears to be trying to prevent a widespread outbreak of protests by reinforcing its presence on the ground, according to Effi Banai, a lecturer and researcher of social networks.

Iranians gather while blocking a street during a protest in Kermanshah, Iran on January 8, 2026.

Why the US is standing up to Iranian-backed militias in Iraq - analysis

The US-Iran talks are now tied to wider regional issues. For instance, Iran wanted a ceasefire in Lebanon. The US wants to see Iranian support for proxies ended.

 Iraqi security forces sit on vehicles at a street after an attack by a drone strike on an Iran-backed militia headquarters in Baghdad, Iraq January 4, 2024.

US halts dollar shipments to Iraq, freezes military aid over militia concerns

The US has halted $500M in dollar shipments to Iraq and frozen military cooperation programs, demanding Baghdad dismantle Iranian-backed militias in response to militia attacks.

Mourners march in the funeral of a Kataib Hezbollah terrorist after a US airstrike on a Popular Mobilization Forces headquarters near the Iraq-Syria border, pictured in Baghdad, March 2, 2026.

Iran's IRGC Quds Force head Qaani visits Baghdad, meets Shi'ite political, militia leaders - report

Iran's Quds Force head Esmail Qaani visited Baghdad to discuss Iraq's next prime minister and the future of Shi'ite militias amid US sanctions.

IRGC Quds Force chief Esmail Qaani pictured in Tehran, Iran, February 17, 2026; illustrative.

US Treasury goes after Iranian-backed militias in Iraq

Several days ago, the US State Department’s Rewards for Justice program announced a $10 million reward for information on Ahmad al-Hamidawi, the leader of the militia Kataib Hezbollah.

A general view of the Treasury Building on day two of a partial government shutdown in Washington, DC, US, February 1, 2026.

US State Dept. offers $10m. reward for Hamidawi, leader of Iran-backed Kataib Hezbollah militia

The US State Department offered up to $10 million for information on Ahmad al-Hamidawi, leader of Kataib Hezbollah, responsible for deadly attacks on US facilities and the kidnapping of US citizens.

Mourners march in the funeral of a Kataib Hezbollah terrorist after a US airstrike on a Popular Mobilization Forces headquarters near the Iraq-Syria border, pictured in Baghdad, March 2, 2026.