The Government of Iraq has announced the freezing of financial assets belonging to several Iran-backed militant groups, including Lebanon’s Hezbollah and Yemen’s Houthi movement. This decisive action, published in Iraq’s official gazette, represents one of Baghdad’s most assertive steps to date in curbing the financial networks of Tehran-aligned organizations.
Iraq’s official gazette confirmed that funds linked to Hezbollah, the Houthis, and other Iran-backed armed groups will be frozen immediately. The move signals a significant change in Baghdad’s approach, reflecting growing regional tensions and international pressure to limit Iran’s proxy operations.
The United States and other Western allies are expected to welcome the decision, having long urged Iraq to rein in the financial pipelines sustaining these militias. Analysts note that the freeze could disrupt funding channels used by Hezbollah and the Houthis to support military and political activities across the Middle East.
The Iraqi government emphasized that the measure is aimed at safeguarding national security and reinforcing Iraq’s sovereignty. By cutting off financial flows to foreign-backed militias, Baghdad seeks to reduce external interference and strengthen its position as a stabilizing force in the region.
U.S. officials have repeatedly pressed Iraq to take stronger action against Iran’s proxies. This move is expected to draw strong approval from Washington, which views it as a step toward reducing Tehran’s influence in Iraq and beyond.
Experts argue that the freeze demonstrates Iraq’s willingness to assert independence from Tehran’s orbit, while also responding to mounting international scrutiny. While Iran has not yet issued an official response, observers anticipate that Tehran will view the decision as a challenge to its regional strategy.
This development underscores Iraq’s evolving role in Middle Eastern geopolitics. By targeting the financial lifelines of Hezbollah and the Houthis, Baghdad is not only addressing domestic security concerns but also aligning itself more closely with international efforts to counter destabilizing militant networks.