The United States State Department has designated Kataib Sayyid al-Shuhada, an Iran-aligned militant group active in Iraq, and its leader Hashim Finyan Rahim al-Sarraj as international terrorists. The designation was announced by Secretary of State Antony Blinken, signaling a clear stance from Washington amid ongoing regional tensions. The move follows a period of intensified hostilities that have targeted American personnel and bases in both Syria and Iraq, underscoring the US government’s view that Iran’s regional allies have played a direct role in those attacks.
In a formal statement, Blinken affirmed that Kataib Sayyid al-Shuhada and its Secretary General, Hashim Finyan Rahim al-Sarraj, are now listed as specially designated global terrorists. The State Department characterized the group’s activities as a significant threat to the safety of U.S. military service members deployed in Iraq and Syria, as well as to coalition partners engaged in the fight against the Islamic State. The designation aligns with longstanding U.S. policy to curb violent actors connected to Iran and to disrupt entities that enable acts of terrorism in the region.
Officials noted that the decision comes in the wake of a pattern of attacks against American bases and personnel, which Washington has attributed to Iran’s network of allied groups operating in multiple Middle Eastern fronts. The designation is expected to complicate the operational capabilities of Kataib Sayyid al-Shuhada by restricting its access to funds, travel, and international support channels, thereby limiting its potential for regional influence. U.S. authorities also emphasized that this action does not equate to a broader confrontation with Iran but is aimed at protecting U.S. citizens and partners in the region from violent escalation.
From Washington’s perspective, Iran’s proxies have repeatedly conducted or supported assaults that jeopardize allied forces and humanitarian missions in areas already destabilized by conflict. The State Department’s move is part of a broader framework designed to deter and punish entities that facilitate terrorism, including networks linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and other state-backed operators. The United States has signaled readiness to take additional steps if further provocations arise, focusing on accountability, deterrence, and the protection of civilians and military personnel alike.
Despite the designation, U.S. officials have reiterated that Washington seeks to avoid unnecessary confrontation while remaining committed to safeguarding Americans in the Middle East. The rhetoric from Blinken emphasized a protective mandate: the goal is to shield citizens and allies from lethal actions carried out by pro-Iran groups, while also encouraging regional stability and reducing the likelihood of further cross-border escalations. The administration continues to pursue diplomatic channels and targeted measures designed to constrain violent actors without broadening the conflict.