By Anas al-Bar | 2024-11-08

As it comes under increasing external pressure, the Iranian regime is pushing to strengthen its proxies in Iraq and quell tensions between its two most prominent loyalists, Asaib Ahl al-Haq and Kataib Hizbullah.

The two militias are locked in competition with each other over money, influence and leadership of the so-called "axis of resistance."

The Iranian regime has tried to show its support to both, so the situation does not spiral out of control and one of its most important regional fronts is not weakened as result of internal conflicts, analysts said.

In September, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Quds Force (IRGC-QF) commander Esmail Qaani spearheaded a push to reduce tensions between the militias, political analyst Tariq al-Shammari told Al-Fassel.

During the October 4 sermon led by Iranian leader Ali Khamenei, the Iranian regime sought to emphasize the strength of the Iraqi front by seating Asaib Ahl al-Haq leader Qais al-Khazaali in the front row.

This is usually reserved for senior officials and high-ranking IRGC officers.

Former Kataib Hizbullah leader Hashem al-Haidari also was given a distinguished seat, but further back.

The move sent a message to Iraqi proxies, primarily Asaib Ahl al-Haq and Kataib Hizbullah, that the Iranian regime "does not get close to one party while distancing itself from the other," al-Shammari said.

It signaled the need for Iraqi proxies "to set rivalries and interests aside and be loyal only to the Iranian project," he said, especially as pressures are increasing on the Iranian regime and its key proxy, Lebanese Hizbullah.

Al-Khazaali’s growing prominence

The Friday sermon seating arrangements show the growing importance of al-Khazaali and his role in the Iranian regime's broader regional strategy, per the Washington Institute for Near East Policy.

The Iranian regime also sees al-Khazaali's affirmation, in a televised speech, of his obedience to Khamenei and readiness to fight and "sacrifice money and lives," as another card in his favor.

This may have aroused the resentment of Kataib Hizbullah, al-Shammari said, with potential repercussions for the Iranian regime.

"This militia may not accept to remain militarily active in the regional arena alone with some small Iraqi militias and bear the brunt of the retaliatory strikes while the Iranian privileges go to its rival," he said.

But for now Kataib Hizbullah has affirmed it will continue to serve the Iranian regime, with militia head Abu Hussein al-Hamidawi on October 21 announcing its readiness to "expand the war" against Israel.

He urged the continuation of attacks, with focus on "activating joint operations" with the Houthis, Iran's allies in Yemen.