US sanctions 7 ‘Iran-aligned’ Iraqi militia commanders

The US on Friday sanctioned seven “Iran-aligned” Iraqi militia commanders for “planning, directing, and executing attacks against US personnel, facilities, and interests in Iraq.”

A statement released by the Treasury Department said that the individuals “targeted in today’s action are leaders of some of Iraq’s most violent Iran-aligned militia organizations, including Kata’ib Hizballah, Kata’ib Sayyid Al-Shuhada, Harakat Al-Nujaba, and Asa’ib Ahl Al-Haqq.”

“These militias operate with near impunity, attacking U.S. personnel and innocent civilians across Iraq, siphoning Iraq’s wealth to finance their terrorist activities, and undermining Iraq’s sovereignty and democratic processes,” the statement added.

“We will not allow Iraq’s terrorist militias, backed by Iran, to threaten American lives or interests,” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said. “Those who enable these militias’ violence will be held accountable.”

As part of the sanctions, all property and property interests of the designated or blocked individuals that are located in the US or held or controlled by US persons are frozen.

Additionally, any entities that are owned—either directly or indirectly—by one or more blocked persons, whether individually or collectively at a 50% or greater stake, are also subject to blocking.