The United States has formally designated four Iran-aligned Iraqi militias as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs), in a move aimed at tightening pressure on Tehran’s network in Iraq and beyond. The announcement was made by the U.S. State Department on September 17.
The groups named are Harakat al-Nujaba, Kata’ib Sayyid al-Shuhada, Harakat Ansar Allah al-Awfiya, and Kata’ib al-Imam Ali. All four had previously been designated by the U.S. as Specially Designated Global Terrorists in various capacities; notably, Kata’ib Sayyid al-Shuhada was labelled a Global Terrorist back in 2023.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio cited a pattern of attacks by these militias targeting the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, U.S. and coalition military bases, and other Western interests. He emphasized that many of the groups operate through proxies or aliases to mask Iran’s involvement in their operations.
Under U.S. law, the FTO designation brings with it sweeping legal consequences: American persons are prohibited from providing material support to the groups; financial transactions with them are blocked; and their members overseas risk criminal charges. The measure also allows greater leverage for sanctions and counter-terrorism operations.
Analysts say this designation reflects escalating U.S. concerns about Iran’s ability to use proxy networks to project power into Iraq and the wider Middle East region. While Baghdad has historically tolerated or cooperated with some of these militias, the U.S. move is likely to strain relations with Iraq, where militia groups play political and security roles.
