Badr backs Iran as Iraq’s Shia factions escalate rhetoric

BAGHDAD — The Badr Organization said Monday it stands with the Islamic Republic of Iran, aligning its position with recent calls by Kataib Hezbollah for readiness to confront Iran’s adversaries, as Iraqi armed factions intensify rhetoric tied to regional tensions.

In a statement dated Jan. 26, 2026, and issued by the Central Ideological Guidance Office of the Badr Organization, the group said it affirms “its firm and principled position in standing with and supporting the Islamic Republic of Iran, its leadership and its people, in confronting American-Zionist arrogance.”

The statement framed the position in religious terms, citing Quranic verses and describing current developments as “an extension of the global colonial project that seeks to weaken the Axis of Resistance, break the will of free peoples, and suppress resistance.” It added, “These attempts, however, will fail in the face of the steadfastness of the believers and the perseverance of the mujahideen.”

The remarks come amid sharply rising tensions between the United States and Iran. Donald Trump warned Iran against violently suppressing demonstrators, saying the United States was “locked and loaded” if peaceful protesters were killed and suggesting strong action if planned executions proceeded, before later rowing back on the threats.

Full statement:

In light of current developments and events, and in view of the threats facing the Islamic Republic of Iran and attempts to undermine its principled stance in support of the causes of the Ummah — foremost among them the cause of Palestine — the Central Ideological Guidance Office of the Badr Organization affirms its firm and principled position in standing with and supporting the Islamic Republic of Iran, its leadership and its people, in confronting American-Zionist arrogance.

We affirm that what the Islamic Republic is facing today is nothing but an extension of the global colonial project that seeks to weaken the Axis of Resistance, break the will of free peoples, and suppress resistance. These attempts, however, will fail in the face of the steadfastness of the believers and the perseverance of the mujahideen.

As we recall the sacrifices of the martyrs, the patience of the wounded, and the steadfast positions of the scholars and revered religious authorities, we renew our commitment to continue along the path of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him) in defending the causes of truth and justice, standing united against oppression and tyranny.

What is unfolding today is not a passing event; rather, it is a decisive battle between the camp of truth and the camp of falsehood, in which faith in its entirety confronts disbelief in its entirety. There is no room for neutrality, hesitation, or silence.

We call upon all believers and our cadres to strengthen ideological awareness, entrench the culture of resistance, rally around wise leadership, and reject all attempts to sow discord and division.

“And God prevails over His affair, but most people do not know.”