Iran-Aligned Militias in Iraq Halt Activities Amid Rising Regional Tensions

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 09:59:00 +0200

According to reports from Iran’s state-run media cited by The Wall Street Journal, several Iraqi militias supported by Tehran have temporarily suspended their military activities. These groups, which operate under the umbrella of Iran-backed paramilitary networks in Iraq, claimed that the decision aims to reduce tensions following recent escalations between Iran and Western powers, including the United States. The suspension reportedly comes after a series of cross-border incidents and heightened hostilities that threatened to expand regional conflict. The militias, many of which are part of Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), have played a pivotal role in advancing Iranian influence across the Middle East. Their decision to halt operations is viewed as part of Iran’s broader effort to prevent direct confrontation and maintain strategic stability while managing international pressure and internal dissent. Analysts note that such declarations are often symbolic and may apply only