Iraq Faces Threats Over Iran-Backed Militia Strikes as Neighbors Warn of Military Action

Syria has joined Saudi Arabia and Jordan in warning Iraq that any strikes launched from Iraqi territory against neighboring states could prompt direct attacks on the Iran‑backed militias responsible. Syrian military officials said Damascus would respond to such attacks by targeting the groups inside Iraq.

Iraq, in turn, told Jordan it would strike pro‑Iran militias if they launched attacks against Jordan, underscoring a sharp escalation in border security tensions. The warnings come amid recent US‑Saudi bombings of Iran‑aligned militias in Iraq, retaliation for drone attacks on Saudi oil facilities that were traced to Iraqi soil. Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Al‑Zaidi has announced a comprehensive security strategy to curb armed groups, including Kataib Hezbollah, Asaib Ahl al‑Haq, Harakat al‑Nujaba and Kataib Sayyid al‑Shuhada. The dispute also coincides with Iraq’s efforts to restore ties with Syria and revive the Iraq‑Syria oil pipeline project.