concept

Iraqi militias

Also known as: Iraqi Shiite militias, Iraqi militias, Iraqi Shi’a militias, Shi’a militias

Entities (4)

Houthi movement

Houthi movement

The Houthi movement and Iraqi militias are both identified as key components of Iran's 'Axis of Resistance' or 'shadow army' [1], [2]. They are frequently grouped together in reports regarding their operational security tactics [3], [4], their strategic restraint under Iranian guidance [5], and their collective role in Iran's 'forward defense' doctrine [6]. — 8 supporting facts

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Hezbollah

Hezbollah

Hezbollah and Iraqi militias are both identified as key components of Iran's 'Axis of Resistance' and 'shadow army' [1], [2]. They are frequently grouped together as proxies that Iran utilizes for its 'forward defense' doctrine [3] and are noted for their shared political alignment with Tehran, which distinguishes them from other groups like the Houthis [4], [5], [6]. — 4 supporting facts

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Hamas

Hamas

Hamas and Iraqi militias are both identified as key components of Iran's 'Axis of Resistance' or 'shadow army' coalition, as detailed in [1], [2], and [3]. Furthermore, [4] discusses their respective roles and willingness to support Iran within the context of current regional conflicts. — 1 supporting fact

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Israel

Israel

Iraqi militias are related to Israel as they have been active participants in conducting and scaling military attacks against the state, as evidenced by their fluctuating activity levels in [1], [2], and [3].

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Facts (16)

Sources

The Limits of Iran's Proxy Empire | The New Yorker newyorker.com The New Yorker Mar 12, 2026 6 facts

claimThe Houthis are not politically beholden to Iran, unlike Hezbollah and various Iraqi militias.

accountTop security and political figures within the Iraqi Shiite militias and the Houthis limited their use of technology, including using burner phones and minimizing online activity, to prevent Israeli tracking.

accountTop security and political figures within Iraqi Shiite militias and the Houthi movement limited their use of technology, including using burner phones and minimizing online activity, to prevent Israel from tracking them.

claimThe Houthi movement in Yemen is not politically beholden to Iran, unlike Hezbollah and various Iraqi militias.

claimThe Houthis are not politically beholden to Iran, unlike Hezbollah and Iraqi militias.

claimThe Axis of Resistance coalition includes Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria, various Iraqi Shiite militias such as the Popular Mobilization Forces, and Sunni militants including Hamas.

The Deafening Silence of Iran's Proxies - Institute for the Study of War understandingwar.org Brian Carter · Institute for the Study of War Jun 20, 2025 5 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.

measurementIraqi militias have had limited success in targeting Israel, with no drones striking major targets and only one causing serious casualties.

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.

claimThe Houthis and Iranian-backed Iraqi militias have remained largely intact despite suffering damage from US airstrikes over the last two years.

claimMany Iraqi militias have made their potential entry into the war contingent upon direct United States intervention.

Iran at a Historical Crossroads - E-International Relations e-ir.info E-International Relations Mar 25, 2025 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.

How active have Iran's proxy groups been since the start of the war? theconversation.com The Conversation Mar 20, 2026 1 fact

claimIraqi militias have been targeted by United States and Israeli airstrikes in response to attacks on Iranian Kurdish groups.

5 key factors shaping Iran's foreign policy calculus mei.edu Middle East Institute May 1, 2025 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.

Iran's Proxy Strategy and the Extent of Surrogate Autonomy - AHS alexanderhamiltonsociety.org Alexander Hamilton Society 1 fact

claimThe Islamic Republic of Iran has faced challenges in maintaining its influence over Iraqi militias due to the combined pressures of the coronavirus pandemic and economic sanctions, as reported by the Associated Press and Reuters in June and July 2020.