Kataib Hezbollah Warns Iraqi Kurdistan Amid Escalating US-Iran Tensions

Militia Issues Stark Warning to KRG

Kataib Hezbollah, a prominent Iranian-backed Iraqi militia, has issued a significant warning to Iraqi Kurdistan, cautioning against any support for potential US or Israeli military operations targeting Iran. The militia's statements, made amidst heightened regional tensions and a substantial US military buildup, included a call for its members to prepare for a 'war of attrition'.

Threats Amidst Regional Military Buildup

The warning from Kataib Hezbollah explicitly stated that if the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) were to 'collude with hostile foreign forces,' it would face severe consequences that could 'threaten its security and future'. This threat comes as the United States has deployed warships and fighter jets to the Middle East, marking what has been described as the largest military buildup in decades. The militia's security official, Abu Ali al-Askari, suggested that US preparations for a ground attack on Iran could involve routes through Syria and Iraqi Kurdistan, urging Kurdish authorities to exercise restraint.

Call for 'War of Attrition' and Axis of Resistance Alignment

In its statement, Kataib Hezbollah urged its fighters to prepare for a 'potentially long war of attrition,' indicating a readiness for sustained conflict. The group, which the US has designated as a terrorist organization, has historically maintained close ties with Iran and views any attack on Iran as a direct threat to its own interests and its role within the broader 'Axis of Resistance'. This stance underscores the militia's prioritization of its relationship with Iran over domestic political and economic considerations in Iraq.

Iraqi Kurdistan's Neutrality and Past Incidents

The Kurdistan Regional Government has consistently asserted its neutrality in regional conflicts, stating that it will not allow its territory to be used to launch attacks against neighboring countries. Despite these assurances, Iraqi Kurdistan has been targeted by Iran and Iranian-backed militias on multiple occasions, including during the 2023-2025 Gaza War. The redeployment of US-led international coalition forces from federal Iraq to Iraqi Kurdistan in late 2025, with Erbil Air Base becoming a more prominent target, adds another layer of complexity to the region's security landscape.

Escalating Tensions and Future Implications

The escalating rhetoric from Kataib Hezbollah highlights the volatile security situation in the Middle East, particularly as US-Iran nuclear talks continue without a definitive agreement. The militia's threats against Iraqi Kurdistan underscore the potential for broader regional destabilization should tensions between Washington and Tehran further intensify.