Washington: The United States has formally declared four Iran-backed militias as terrorist organizations, escalating its efforts to curb Tehran’s influence and the reach of its proxy networks across the Middle East. The State Department announced the decision on Wednesday, stressing that the move aims to hold these armed factions accountable for attacks on U.S. interests and regional partners.
The four militias named in the designation are Harakat al-Nujaba, Kata’ib Sayyid al-Shuhada, Harakat Ansar Allah al-Awfiya, and Kata’ib al-Imam Ali. All four have long been linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and accused of carrying out strikes on U.S. and coalition forces in Iraq and Syria. Some of these groups had previously been sanctioned under other U.S. counterterrorism measures, but the designation as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) imposes a stricter legal framework and expands penalties.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that the militias were directly involved in violent campaigns, including assaults on the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad and attacks against American service members. He noted that many of these groups frequently use new names or front organizations to obscure their identity, a tactic designed to evade accountability while continuing their operations.
Under the new designation, the groups face significant consequences. Any assets they might hold under U.S. jurisdiction are now frozen, and American citizens or entities are strictly prohibited from providing them with support. The move also carries broader diplomatic weight, sending a warning to international actors that collaboration with these factions could bring legal and political repercussions.
The decision comes amid heightened U.S.–Iran tensions and follows repeated accusations that Tehran relies on proxy militias to project power across Iraq, Syria, and beyond. Washington’s move is expected to complicate the activities of these groups while also increasing the pressure on Iran’s regional strategy.
Observers now await Iran’s response, as well as potential reactions from the militias themselves, which have historically denied being directed by Tehran even as their operational ties remain evident. The designation underscores Washington’s intent to confront what it sees as a growing threat from Iran’s shadow military network in the region.