Knowledge Tree
Relations (1)
cross_type 3.32 — strongly supporting 7 facts
Iran maintains a strategic relationship with Iraqi militias, having cultivated them under the PMF umbrella to exert political influence [1] and utilizing them as part of its 'forward defense' doctrine to deter attacks [2]. Iran actively directs these groups, instructing them on restraint [3] and leveraging them as proxies to threaten United States interests [4].
Facts (7)
Sources
The Deafening Silence of Iran's Proxies - Institute for the Study of War understandingwar.org 2 facts
claimIraqi militias are currently reluctant to engage in the Iran-Israel conflict due to domestic political competition ahead of the November 2025 Iraqi elections.
claimIran and its Iraqi militias have threatened attacks on United States forces and interests as a deterrent strategy to prevent the United States from entering the war.
Iran at a Historical Crossroads - E-International Relations e-ir.info 2 facts
claimIran's 'forward defense' doctrine historically relied on the threat of multiple proxy fronts—such as Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthis in Saudi Arabia, and Iraqi militias against US bases—to deter attacks on Iran.
claimIran cultivated numerous Shi’a militias under the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) umbrella in Iraq to exert political influence and counter United States and Sunni forces.
The Limits of Iran's Proxy Empire | The New Yorker newyorker.com 2 facts
5 key factors shaping Iran's foreign policy calculus mei.edu 1 fact
claimIran has instructed the Houthis and Iraqi militias to exercise restraint to avoid providing the United States with a pretext for direct military strikes.