The exterior of the US State Department building is pictured in Washington DC on March 14, 2023.
The groups include Harakat al-Nujaba, Kata’ib Sayyid al-Shuhada, Harakat Ansar Allah al-Awfiya, and Kata’ib al-Imam Ali.
The decision was announced by Secretary of State Marco Rubio on 17 September 2025.
The State Department said the designation expands earlier sanctions applied to the same militias.
Officials said all four groups had already been listed as Specially Designated Global Terrorists.
US terrorist designation reinforces pressure on Iran
The announcement stated that Iran remains the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism.
According to the State Department, Tehran provides funds, training, and weapons to these militias in Iraq.
The statement alleged the groups carried out attacks against US and coalition personnel in the region.
These attacks included strikes on the US Embassy in Baghdad and military bases hosting American forces.
The militias often operated under proxy names or front organizations to conceal responsibility.
The designation now criminalizes financial or material support to these organizations under US jurisdiction.
The order also enables asset freezes and travel restrictions on affiliated individuals and entities.
State Department cites maximum pressure strategy
The measure is linked to President Trump’s National Security Presidential Memorandum-2.
This directive established a maximum pressure campaign against Iran and its regional allies.
Officials said the campaign aims to cut off financial channels that sustain these armed groups.
The statement affirmed that Washington would continue to use every tool available to block terrorist funding.
The Department described the step as part of wider counterterrorism policy in the Middle East.
It said these sanctions reinforce partnerships with coalition allies confronting militia threats.
Four Iran-backed militias accused of repeated attacks
The four designated militias have been accused of conducting repeated rocket and drone strikes.
US officials said these strikes endangered civilians and targeted international forces stationed in Iraq.
The State Department claimed the militias contributed to instability in Baghdad and other provinces.
By acting under different names, the groups allegedly sought to evade accountability for their operations.
Security analysts note that these groups maintain ideological and logistical ties with Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps.
They are also suspected of facilitating weapons transfers and cross-border smuggling routes.
Diplomatic and regional implications
The designation may affect diplomatic dynamics between Washington and Baghdad.
Iraq has repeatedly faced challenges balancing its security partnerships with the United States and Iran.
Many of these militias are part of larger umbrella coalitions with political representation in Iraq.
The decision could intensify internal Iraqi debates about sovereignty and foreign influence.
It also underscores Washington’s determination to hold Tehran accountable for proxy activities.
The official State Department release emphasized that Washington would deny funding and resources to terrorist actors.
Global response to terrorist designation
Allied governments have been briefed on the new designations and potential enforcement measures.
Coalition partners are expected to monitor cross-border financial networks linked to the militias.
International counterterrorism bodies are likely to update their databases in response to the decision.
Analysts suggest the designation could disrupt militia access to foreign banking systems.
The United Nations Counter-Terrorism Committee maintains a framework for member states addressing financial flows to terrorist groups.
Regional governments remain cautious about potential escalation between Washington and Tehran following the move.
Continuing US counterterrorism measures
The State Department reaffirmed its long-term commitment to protecting American and coalition forces abroad.
Officials said the United States would continue close intelligence cooperation with allies.
They stressed that today’s action demonstrates zero tolerance for Iran’s use of proxy violence.
The statement said the United States will deny safe haven, resources, and legitimacy to terrorist entities.
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The announcement reflects continuity in counterterrorism enforcement across administrations.
Authorities concluded that the designations serve as a direct warning to other armed groups operating under Iranian influence.
