U.S. State Department Spokesperson: Washington Disappointed by Iraq’s Reversal on Asset Freeze for Hezbollah and Ansar Allah

He stated: “The United States expects Baghdad to take concrete measures against Iran-backed armed groups, including those operating inside Iraq. We are disappointed by Iraq’s retreat from the asset freeze targeting Hezbollah and the Houthis. Hezbollah and the Houthis pose dangers to both the region and the world, and all countries must ensure their territory is not used by these groups or other Iranian proxies for training, fundraising, acquiring weapons, or carrying out attacks. Washington will continue pressing Iraq to curb the activities of Iran-aligned groups that threaten U.S. and Iraqi interests.”

The spokesperson’s frustrated reaction underscores that Washington views Baghdad’s reversal as a setback in its broader campaign to pressure the “Axis of Resistance.” In recent weeks, the U.S. has sought to leverage economic tools and political pressure to compel Iraq to align with its extraterritorial sanctions. Iraq’s change of stance must be understood within the context of domestic complexities and the government’s concern over backlash from political and social factions close to the resistance camp.

Baghdad recognizes that any direct move against Hezbollah or Ansarallah would be perceived by Iraq’s Shiite public opinion and allied armed groups as siding with U.S. policy, potentially destabilizing the country’s internal political and security balance.