Iraq’s Kata’ib Hezbollah voices support for Iran as US threats loom

BAGHDAD — The secretary-general of Iraqi Kata’ib Hezbollah, one of the most powerful Shiite armed groups in Iraq, said defending the Islamic Republic of Iran amounts to defending the nation’s sanctities, voicing explicit support for Tehran as it cracks down on widespread protests and escalating international pressure.

In a statement dated Jan. 12, 2026, Abu Hussein al-Humaidawi said, “Defending the sanctity of the Islamic Republic is, in truth, a defense of the nation’s sacred values,” calling on fighters to stand with what he described as “the honorable, Muslim Iranian people.”

He also addressed supporters in Iraq and allied groups, saying, “Beware of complacency, and pay no heed to the voices of traitors and defeatists,” adding, “They are the mouthpieces of Satan, and each is paid according to the volume of his voice.”

Al-Humaidawi warned the United States against military action, saying, “War against Iran is no excursion. It is a fire which, if ignited, will not be extinguished until your noses are ground into the dust.” He added, “You will pay a price far greater than the gains your greedy master seeks to reap.”

The remarks come as Iran faces its most serious unrest in years, with sustained nationwide protests driven by economic collapse, political repression and public anger at the ruling system. Human rights organizations say Iranian security forces have responded with lethal force, killing hundreds of protesters and detaining more than 10,000 people in a sweeping crackdown that has included mass arrests, internet shutdowns and severe restrictions on communications. The violence has drawn sharp international condemnation, with U.S. President Donald Trump warning that further civilian killings could trigger direct consequences, including military action.

Full statement:

In the Name of God, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate

Praise be to God, Lord of the worlds. May blessings and peace be upon our leader and Prophet, Muhammad the Trustworthy, and upon his pure and immaculate Household. May God be pleased with his chosen and righteous Companions, His virtuous servants, the martyrs, and the fighters in His path.

Today we witness a new chapter in the struggle between the fronts of truth and falsehood. The front of truth is clear in its features and identity, by the grace of Almighty God. Likewise, the front of falsehood has become known to the entire world, its criminal conduct and hostile approach toward free peoples who reject imperial arrogance laid bare. None have been spared its oppression and injustice except those it has chosen as tools to serve its malicious and satanic objectives.

The head of the front of falsehood is proceeding with preparations to target the Islamic Republic of Iran, the fortress of Muhammadan Islam, the source of the الأمة’s dignity, and the shield of its honor and causes.

The religious and moral duty obliges the fighters in the path of God to stand, with all the strength they possess, alongside the honorable, Muslim Iranian people—patient, steadfast, and seeking reward from God—who are besieged by the forces of evil and criminality. For defending the sanctity of the Islamic Republic is, in truth, a defense of the الأمة’s sacred values.

To our brothers in Iran, we say: we are with you in times of ease and hardship, and our position will be clear and unambiguous in defending the people of Iran and its sanctities.

To our people in Iraq and to the brothers across the Axis: beware of complacency, and pay no heed to the voices of traitors and defeatists—those who have sold their Hereafter for a fleeting worldly gain. They are the mouthpieces of Satan, and each is paid according to the volume of his voice.

And to the American enemy, we warn: war against Iran is no excursion. It is a fire which, if ignited, will not be extinguished until your noses are ground into the dust. You will pay a price far greater than the gains your greedy master seeks to reap.

“And Allah will surely support those who support Him. Indeed, Allah is All-Powerful, Almighty.” (Qur’an 22:40)

“‘Peace,’ a word from a Merciful Lord.” (Qur’an 36:58)

Abu Hussein al-Humaidawi

Secretary-General of Kata’ib Hezbollah

12/1/2026