The Downfall of Iran-Backed Militias: Is it Imminent?

Iranian dissident in exile urges U.S. Not to compromise with regime Erbil, Iraq — Israel has been hammering Iran 's nuclear and military sites for a week. To reach their targets, Israeli. Since the war between Israel and Hamas broke out in October, Iranian- backed militant groups have struck U.S. Bases in Iraq and Syria at least 166 times with rockets, missiles and one-way attack. WASHINGTON (AP) — Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Thursday it’s time to further disable Iran-backed militias that have struck at U.S. Forces and ships in the Middle East and the U.S. Is preparing to take significant action in response to the deaths of three U.S. Service members in Jordan. Tehran’s long-standing strategy of regional power projection through proxy militias is in steep decline . In Gaza, Hamas— backed by Iran —suffered severe military losses during and after the October 2023 conflict with Israel. Iran - backed militias in Iraq are widely reviled for their roles in corruption, repression, and violence. The waning support from Tehran has left these groups vulnerable to public and political pressure. Iran-backed militias in Iraq, including Kataib Hezbollah and Asaib Ahl al-Haq, face setbacks following the fall of the Assad regime in Syria in December 2024 . The Islamic Republic of Iran , long reliant on a network of proxy groups to exert influence across the Middle East, faces significant challenges as its strategy falters. Iran is often portrayed as one of the world’s most dangerous actors, but with its attacks on Iranian defenses, nuclear sites and proxy militias , Israel has exposed a compromised and weakened. US President Joe Biden cast the blame on Iran-backed groups, promising retribution. An umbrella group of Iranian- backed militias in Iraq said it had attacked US positions along the. The regime may have survived a war with Israel, but its legitimacy is more fragile than ever, writes Sanam Vakil.