The United States has once again expressed serious concerns regarding the activities of Iran-backed militias in Iraq, warning that their presence continues to destabilize the country and could drag it into conflicts that the Iraqi people wish to avoid.

In a recent press briefing, Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller highlighted the ongoing threat these militias pose to Iraq’s security. “We continue to be concerned about the presence of Iran-backed militias inside Iraq. They destabilize Iraq’s security situation and risk dragging Iraq into a conflict that the Iraqi people want nothing to do with,” Miller stated.

These groups, which have been designated as terrorist organizations by the US, are said to operate in a manner similar to other Iranian-sponsored militias, such as Hezbollah and Hamas. Miller emphasized the necessity of collaborating with the Iraqi government to prevent attacks on US personnel and interests in the country, ensuring that those responsible for such attacks are held accountable.

While specific details of ongoing diplomatic discussions were not disclosed, Miller underscored the importance of Iraq moving beyond decades of conflict, pointing out the detrimental influence of these militias on both Iraq and the broader region.

Since November 2023, Iran-backed militia groups, identifying themselves as Iraqi resistance groups, have intensified their attacks on US forces in the region, as well as on Israel, utilizing drones and missiles.

In response to these escalating assaults, Israel has issued threats of retaliatory strikes against Iraq and its Iran-backed armed organizations, raising concerns about further regional tensions.