Iraq pulled into Iran war as US targets Iran-aligned groups

Al Jazeera
March 23, 2026
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3 min read

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U.S. targeting of Iran-aligned militias in Iraq risks destabilizing the country and deepening regional tensions.

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The United States is targeting Iran-aligned militia groups operating in Iraq, drawing the country deeper into US-Iran regional tensions. Iraq, which hosts both American military personnel and Iranian-backed forces, faces mounting pressure as these rival powers escalate operations on its soil. The targeting of these groups risks destabilizing Iraq's already fragile security situation and complicating Baghdad's delicate balancing act between its two powerful neighbors. Iraq's economy, already weakened by years of conflict and corruption, faces further strain as the regional conflict intensifies. The escalation threatens to undermine Iraq's sovereignty and could trigger retaliatory strikes that further damage critical infrastructure and displace civilians.

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