Kataeb Hezbollah Readies Fighters for Extended Battle if US Attacks Iran

A powerful Iran-backed Iraqi armed group, Kataeb Hezbollah, has instructed its fighters to prepare for a potentially prolonged conflict involving neighboring Iran and the United States, amid escalating regional tensions and reports of U.S. military buildup. In a statement issued on Thursday, the group urged its members to ready themselves for a "long war of attrition" should Washington launch strikes against Iran. The directive comes as Kataeb Hezbollah warned the U.S. of "immense losses" if it initiates hostilities in the region, highlighting fears of broader escalation.

The statement emphasized the need for preparedness "amid American threats and military build-up indicating a dangerous escalation in the region." Kataeb Hezbollah, one of the most prominent Iran-aligned militias within Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces, described the scenario as one that could extend beyond initial expectations, potentially drawing in its fighters to defend Iranian interests. A commander from an affiliated armed faction told AFP that intervention was "highly likely" in the event of U.S. strikes, viewing any attack on Iran as a direct threat to their strategic position and the broader axis of resistance.

Kataeb Hezbollah's warning aligns with heightened U.S.-Iran tensions, including ongoing nuclear negotiations under strain and significant American military deployments in the Middle East. The group has historically positioned itself as a staunch supporter of Tehran, participating in regional conflicts and resisting perceived foreign interference in Iraq. This latest call for readiness follows similar rhetoric from other Iran-backed factions, though Kataeb Hezbollah appears to be the first major group to explicitly frame preparations around a protracted war scenario.

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The announcement also included a separate warning to the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) against cooperating with "hostile foreign forces," implying potential repercussions if Iraqi Kurdistan serves as a staging ground for U.S. or allied operations. Such statements underscore the complex internal dynamics in Iraq, where pro-Iran militias wield significant influence and often operate semi-independently of the central government.

This development reflects the fragile balance in the region, where proxy forces like Kataeb Hezbollah could expand any direct U.S.-Iran confrontation into multi-front engagements involving Iraq, Lebanon, Yemen, and beyond. Analysts note that while no immediate strikes have been confirmed, the rhetoric signals readiness among Iran's allies to respond forcefully, potentially complicating diplomatic efforts to de-escalate.

As tensions persist, the Iraqi government faces pressure to manage these armed groups while maintaining relations with both Washington and Tehran. No official responses from U.S. or Iranian authorities were immediately available regarding the statement, but it adds to the growing chorus of warnings that could influence the trajectory of regional security in the coming months.

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