In a significant demonstration of regional solidarity, nearly 5,000 Iraqi citizens from Diyala province have formally pledged to defend Iran against potential US military action. The volunteers declared their readiness to support both Iraqi security forces and Iran-backed armed groups without financial compensation, explicitly rejecting American intervention in the Islamic Republic.
This mobilization occurs against a backdrop of intensifying US-Iran tensions, despite ongoing diplomatic discussions in Oman. The United States recently implemented stringent new sanctions targeting Iran’s oil export capabilities, including measures against 14 vessels flagged in Turkey, India, and the United Arab Emirates, alongside sanctions affecting 15 entities and two individuals.
Military posturing continues simultaneously, with US aircraft carriers maintaining positions near Iran’s coastal waters. Central Command has released footage showing the USS Abraham Lincoln conducting replenishment operations in the Arabian Sea, underscoring the persistent military presence.
Iran’s military leadership has responded with heightened readiness. Brigadier-General Mohammad Akraminia, the army spokesperson, stated that any conflict would ‘encompass the entire region and all US bases’ if Washington pursues military escalation. This warning echoes President Donald Trump’s earlier caution about ‘bad things’ happening should diplomatic efforts fail.
The volunteer initiative was coordinated by the Iran-backed Badr Organization, though organizers emphasize the volunteers are not affiliated with specific armed factions. Ammar al-Tamimi, a Badr Organization leader, characterized the participants as ‘volunteers ready to serve as a reserve force for the security forces.’ The comprehensive list of 4,947 names will be formally submitted through Iraq’s military chain of command.
This development reflects Iraq’s complex geopolitical position, maintaining strong ties with Iran since Saddam Hussein’s overthrow in 2003 while hosting thousands of US troops. Iran-aligned groups including Kataeb Hezbollah and Harakat al-Nujaba have established recruitment stations across Iraq, including Baghdad, preparing for potential conflict scenarios.