Society
Hizbullah and Iraqi militias deployed to Iran to suppress dissent
Iran's deployment of Hizbullah and Iraqi militias to suppress protests exposes these groups as Tehran's tools, and risks dragging Lebanon and Iraq into a foreign crisis.
![Iranians gather while blocking a street during a protest in Tehran, Iran on January 9, 2026. The nationwide protests started in Tehran's Grand Bazaar against the failing economic policies in late December, which spread to universities and other cities. [Mahsa/Middle East Images via AFP]](/gc1/images/2026/01/16/53477-_47__iran_protest-600_384.webp)
by Al-Fassel |
Iran has deployed Hizbullah fighters and Iraqi militia groups to suppress domestic protests, underscoring their role as tools of Tehran's regime.
An estimated 850 operatives from these groups were tasked with enforcing Iran's oppressive policies rather than serving the interests of their own nations.
This strategy highlights Iran's reliance on loyal proxies to bolster its internal control while marginalizing dissent.
The deployment of these militias reflects Iran's calculated efforts to outsource repression and maintain regime survival at the expense of regional stability.
Hizbullah and Iraqi militias' service to Tehran's agenda offers no apparent benefits to the people of Lebanon or Iraq.
Therefore, potentially entangling Lebanon or Iraq into a foreign quagmire later down the road.
Suppressing dissent, not serving communities
Iran's use of Hizbullah and Iraqi militias as enforcers reveals a long-standing pattern of outsourcing repression through ideologically loyal proxies.
These groups, rather than advancing the interests of their own nations, operate as extensions of Iran's coercive infrastructure.
Their actions betray any, and all, claims to serve their home communities first and foremost.
In crossing into Iranian territory to stifle protests, these militias demonstrate their allegiance to Tehran over their own people.
For citizens of Lebanon and Iraq, this betrayal is felt acutely, as their nations endure instability and exploitation while these proxies operate under Iran's direction.
Instead of addressing concerns of those they claim to protect, Hizbullah and Iraqi militias have deepened the suffering of their citizens by aligning with Tehran.
A deepening regional crisis
Iran's strategy of mobilizing foreign militias to suppress dissent reflects its desperation to preserve its regime.
This reliance not only exacerbates regional instability but further exposes Hizbullah and Iraqi militia groups as pawns in Tehran's oppressive agenda.
The consequences are far-reaching. Internal dissent in Iran is met with brutal repression, while Lebanon and Iraq face long-term instability and weakened sovereignty.
Tehran's use of proxies like Hezbollah and Iraqi militias perpetuates suffering and deepens instability across the region.
These groups are not protectors of their people, but puppets of a regime focused solely on its own survival.