Skip to main content

Iran-backed militias struggle to resist US pressure

Feeling the burden of US sanctions on Iran, the Popular Mobilization Units are flexing their muscles in Iraq, trying to strengthen their position.
Members of Iraqi Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) demonstrate their skills during a rehabilitation military exercise at a graduation ceremony in Basra, Iraq January 31, 2019. REUTERS/Essam al-Sudani - RC1DDE9A9E60

As the United States tightens the noose on the Iranian economy, Iran-backed Iraqi militias are feeling the pain more than ever.

The US Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control imposed sanctions June 12 on an Iraq-based company that is believed to be a financial conduit for Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the Quds Force in particular.

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.