The U.S. State Department has designated four Iran-backed Iraqi militias as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs), a move that underscores escalating tensions between the United States and Iran. These groups, which were previously identified as Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGT) by the Treasury Department, are known for their role in attacks against U.S. forces and diplomatic missions in Iraq, Syria, and Jordan. The designation follows a statement from Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who highlighted the persistent threat posed by these militias, noting their use of front names to obscure their Iranian links. The move represents a continued effort by the United States to counter Iran’s influence in the region and protect its interests.
According to the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies (FDD), the targeted militias are part of the Islamic Resistance in Iraq (IRI), an umbrella organization that has been emboldened by events such as the Hamas-led attack on Israel in October 2023. The IRI is believed to be responsible for a significant number of attacks in Iraq, Syria, and Jordan, including the drone strike that killed three U.S. service members in January 2024. The Trump administration is intensifying its campaign against these groups, with FDD expert Behnam Ben Taleblu emphasizing the strategic importance of these designations in weakening Iran’s influence in Iraq. Ben Taleblu, an Iranian expert and senior director of the FDD’s Iran program, stated that the Trump administration’s approach of naming, shaming, and punishing Iran-backed militias is a necessary and effective strategy to counter Tehran’s growing power in the region.
The designated militias also operate within the Popular Mobilization Forces, a coalition of Shia groups formed by the Iraqi government to combat ISIS. However, this force is largely influenced by Iran, allowing Tehran to exert significant control over Iraqi military operations. Behnam Ben Taleblu noted that this arrangement enables Iran to maintain a ‘state within a state’ in Iraq, effectively using these militias to advance its own strategic objectives. The Trump administration’s approach of utilizing both Treasury Department sanctions and State Department designations is viewed as a strategic and effective method to isolate and weaken Iran’s influence. This comprehensive strategy reflects a broader effort to address the growing threat of Iranian-backed terrorism and protect U.S. interests in the Middle East.
The designation comes alongside other recent actions, such as the Trump administration’s ultimatum to Iran, which has intensified the 60-day countdown for potential military strikes. These developments highlight the administration’s resolve to confront Iran’s influence in the region, even as experts warn of the potential for increased regional instability. The Trump administration’s actions are seen as part of a larger campaign to counter Iran’s growing power and protect U.S. security interests, with the designation of these groups serving as a critical step in that effort.