Iraq’s Kataib Hezbollah threatens US interests if Washington intervenes in Israel-Iran conflict

BAGHDAD — Kataib Hezbollah, one of Iraq’s most powerful militias, warned Sunday that it would “act against” U.S. interests and military bases across the region if Washington intervenes in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, asserting that Iran “does not need any military support” to confront Israel.

In a statement signed by Secretary General Abu Hussein Al-Hamidawi, the group said, “The Islamic Republic possesses the men and the capabilities sufficient to rub Netanyahu’s nose in the dirt and rein in the tyranny of this usurping entity.”

While emphasizing Iran’s ability to confront Israel “with courage and resilience,” the group said it was closely monitoring the movements of what it called the “enemy American army in the region.” The statement added, “If America intervenes in the war, we will act directly against its interests and bases spread throughout the region without hesitation.”

The group also called on the Iraqi government, the Coordination Framework, and “loyalists” to take action, demanding the closure of the U.S. embassy and “the expulsion” of American forces. “They represent the clearest and most dangerous threat to Iraq’s security and the stability of the region,” the statement said.

Kataib Hezbollah is part of the so-called “Islamic Resistance in Iraq,” a coalition of  Shia factions. These groups have claimed responsibility for numerous attacks on U.S. and Israeli targets in Iraq and Syria, particularly since the outbreak of the Gaza war in late 2023.

The statement comes amid reports that the Iraqi government has asked Iran not to retaliate against U.S. military positions inside Iraqi territory, expressing concern that such actions could drag the country into a wider regional war.