Iran-backed groups in the Middle East
Iran exerts considerable influence over armed groups
of control over each. Iran and Israel have carried out
direct attacks on each other’s territories more than once.
Iran has a direct presence in Syria, and wields significant influence over several Shiite militias. In April, Iran and Israel exchanged direct strikes after Israel struck Iran’s consulate in Damascus.
Iraq is home to the Popular Mobilization Units (PMU),
an umbrella group of predominantly Shiite Iran-backed
paramilitary forces that includes the powerful Kataib
Hezbollah is the most powerful militia in the region; it
is armed, trained and funded by Iran.
Iran-backed Houthi rebels have been striking ships in
the Red Sea, disrupting global shipping as part of what
they say is revenge for Israel's war against Hamas.
Iran backs Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad
group, which have launched attacks on Israel.