Iran-backed militias in Iraq threaten imminent attacks against U.S. forces, vowing to “act without hesitation” if America intervenes in the escalating Israel-Iran conflict.
Key Takeaways
- U.S. forces in Iraq are facing direct threats from Iranian proxies, with three drones already launched at Al-Asad Air Base
- Kataib Hezbollah, an Iraqi militia integrated into official security forces but designated as terrorists, has called for the expulsion of American troops
- The Trump administration has warned Iran against attacks while deploying additional military assets to protect U.S. personnel and support Israel
- Non-essential U.S. embassy staff in Baghdad are being evacuated as regional tensions escalate dramatically
- The Iraqi government is attempting to prevent being drawn into the wider conflict, while militia groups previously considering disarmament have renewed their anti-U.S. stance
Iranian Proxies Ramp Up Threats Against U.S. Forces
Iran-backed militias in Iraq have issued explicit threats against American military installations following Israel’s strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and leadership targets. Kataib Hezbollah, a powerful proxy group officially incorporated into Iraq’s security apparatus as part of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), has taken an increasingly hostile stance. The group, still seeking revenge for the 2020 killing of their commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, has positioned itself as defenders of Iran against what they perceive as U.S.-Israeli aggression.
“If America intervenes in the war, we will act without any hesitation against its interests and bases in the region,” Kataib Hezbollah (KH) declared in their statement, referring to the United States as “the great Satan” while calling for the closure of the U.S. embassy and expulsion of American forces from Iraq.
A battlespace where Iran’s coastal defenses, rapid-strike options, and proxy forces create a formidable challenge requires precise coordination between Israel and the U.S.
Iran’s retaliatory or second strike options boil down to two critical table columns: menu of options and… pic.twitter.com/CvUffJuFS9
— dan linnaeus (@DanLinnaeus) June 11, 2025
U.S. Forces Under Attack While Defending Israel
The threats are not merely rhetorical. U.S. military personnel have already faced direct attacks, with three drones recently launched at Al-Asad Air Base in western Iraq. These attacks are part of a coordinated campaign by what analysts call the “Islamic Resistance in Iraq” (IRI), a coalition of Iran-backed militias targeting both U.S. forces and Israel. The assaults follow Iran’s direct missile and drone attacks against Israel, which prompted Israeli retaliatory strikes against Iranian nuclear and military facilities.
“U.S. forces are under attack in the Middle East,” security officials confirmed as tensions continue to escalate across the region. Said U.S. officials
In response to these growing threats, the Trump administration has reinforced American military assets in the region. The U.S. European Command has deployed additional destroyers to the eastern Mediterranean, while air defense systems have been augmented in Israel and across several Middle Eastern countries to counter potential Iranian attacks. These defensive measures come as the U.S. State Department begins evacuating non-essential personnel from its embassy in Baghdad, signaling serious concerns about further escalation.
Iraq Caught Between Iran and America
The Iraqi government finds itself in a precarious position, attempting to prevent the country from becoming a battleground between Iran and the United States. Iraqi officials have reportedly communicated with Tehran, urging Iran not to target U.S. troops stationed in Iraq. This diplomatic effort reflects Baghdad’s concerns about being drawn into a wider regional conflict that could destabilize the country’s already fragile security situation and undermine its sovereignty.
“Both President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have warned Tehran not to attack U.S. forces in the region,” highlighting the administration’s firm stance against Iranian aggression, said Cameron McMillan
The current threats mark a significant shift in approach by PMF-affiliated militias, many of which had previously considered disarmament following years of tension with U.S. forces. The killing of three American soldiers in Jordan in January 2024 demonstrated the deadly consequences of these attacks. Security experts warn that insufficient responses to previous provocations have only emboldened Iran and its proxies, urging the Trump administration to ensure U.S. forces have both the necessary assets and explicit permission to respond forcefully to future attacks.
