Fears grow that Iran may be using proxy groups beyond Middle East
Concerns are rising that Iran is expanding its use of proxy groups to target Western interests beyond the Middle East. A recent criminal complaint against an Iraqi militia member highlights Iran's involvement in planning attacks in Europe and the United States. This development suggests a significant escalation in Iran's operations against perceived enemies in the West.
- ▪A criminal complaint unsealed in the US accuses Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood al-Saadi of plotting attacks in the United States and Europe.
- ▪Al-Saadi is described as a high-ranking figure in Kataib Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed Iraqi militia.
- ▪Federal investigators allege that al-Saadi was involved in planning at least 20 attacks since late February, including against Jewish institutions.
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For subscribersFears grow that Iran may be using proxy groups beyond Middle EastSign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxMohammad Baqer Saad Dawood al-Saadi (right) commander of the Iraqi militia Kataib Hezbollah, meets with the late Iranian General Qassem Soleimani. PHOTO: US DOJ/NYTIMESAaron Boxerman, Neil MacFarquhar and Falih HassanPublished May 17, 2026, 07:55 AMUpdated May 17, 2026, 07:55 AMA criminal complaint against an Iraqi man that was unsealed in a US court May 15, accusing him of plotting attacks in the United States, has raised fears that Iran is increasingly wielding its proxy forces to target Western interests far beyond the Middle East.Iran’s powerful Revolutionary Guard has tried to kill its opponents on American soil even before the war with the United…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Straits Times — World.