Iraqi factions threaten U.S. interests and the embassy in Baghdad

Islamic Resistance factions in Iraq issued two simultaneous statements affirming their readiness to target U.S. interests and bases in the event of any attack on Iran.

Saraya Awliya al-Dam declared that they are “at the forefront of striking U.S. interests,” considering the defense of Iran a religious duty. Kataib Sakhra al-Quds – Ashab al-Kahf warned of a “seismic and comprehensive response,” stressing that the U.S. embassy and its associated bases would be treated as military targets, and urged Iraqi forces to stay away from them.

This marks the first direct public threat against U.S. interests and the embassy in Baghdad since the Flood of al-Aqsa operation, refuting analyses that suggested the factions had abandoned armed action.

Observers, however, caution against hasty conclusions about the next phase, noting that the factions’ early withdrawal from the support front during Flood of al-Aqsa—under internal and external pressures—requires careful consideration of political and security dynamics in any potential confrontation.