By Anas al-Bar | 2025-09-29

The leadership of Iran-backed militias in Iraq has been thrown into disarray following the United States’ recent designation of several groups as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs).

In response, these militias have scrambled to impose precautionary measures aimed at avoiding strikes or disruptions to their revenue streams, which fund their operations.

Offices and sensitive headquarters in Baghdad and across multiple provinces have been evacuated.

Militia members face tighter restrictions on movement and have been ordered to stop using smartphones, amid fears of surveillance and targeting.

Among the groups newly designated as terrorist organizations are Harakat al-Nujaba, led by Akram al-Kaabi; Kataib Sayyid al-Shuhada, led by Abu Alaa al-Walai; and Kataib al-Imam Ali, led by Shibl al-Zaidi.

The sanctions mark one of Washington’s most significant steps in recent years to curb Iran’s influence in Iraq.

Leaders flee, recruits lose faith

The US decision caused "tremendous shock and turmoil within their ranks," said political researcher Abdul Qader al-Nayel.

Reports suggest that some militia leaders have already fled to Iran "for fear of potential surprise attacks," he said.

Al-Nayel emphasized that the designations have created divisions among the rank-and-file, particularly among poor recruits who joined mainly for a paycheck.

"Divisions and severe discontent are prevailing among many of the poor recruits who join these groups for salaries," he said.

"Feelings of betrayal and frustration are growing among elements allied with Iran, their desire to disengage and join civilian jobs is growing, especially after their groups were placed on terrorist lists," he added.

"Iraqis are resentful of the proxies’ influence and actions which are undermining their country’s security, and also of their corruption, oil smuggling activities, and obscene wealth," al-Nayel said.

Weakening Iranian regime’s grip on Iraq

The US move also undermines Tehran’s ability to project power through its proxies in Iraq and the wider Middle East.

Iraqi strategy expert Tariq al-Shammari said the designations represent a major step in curbing Iran’s regional ambitions.

"The decision is effective in obstructing the hegemonic project implemented by Iran and curbing its ambitions to expand and control countries in the region," he told Al-Fassel.

The impact inside Iraq will be significant, he added.

"The decision weakens the Iranians’ grip on Iraq that they have through their groups that take up arms against the state and stand as a stumbling block to any step toward peace and prosperity," he said.

"The decision boosts the force of the imposition of the law and national sovereignty, and enables the government to strengthen its security efforts to protect the country," al-Shammari said.

"Iran’s allies are more fearful today than ever. Their sense of insecurity and loss of trust among themselves is growing, and they realize that a long chapter of accountability awaits them," he added.