Topic summary

Islamic Resistance in Iraq

Islamic Resistance in Iraq

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq (IRI; Arabic: المقاومة الإسلامية في العراق, romanized: al-Muqāwamah al-Islāmīyah fī al-ʻIrāq) refers to an informal network of Iranian-backed Shia Islamist factions in Iraq. The name is used by members of the network when carrying out attacks against American forces or its allies in the region. IRI does not represent the official position of the Iraqi government and consists of militias that operate outside the formal command structure of the Iraqi armed forces. It is part of the Axis of Resistance.

In October 2023, the IRI began launching rockets and drones at US bases in Iraq, Jordan and Syria, causing minor injuries to American servicemen until a drone attack killed three US soldiers in Jordan on 28 January 2024. Since November 2023, the IRI has attacked Israel with multiple drones and missiles. In April 2025, the IRI had said that it was prepared to disarm in order to avert an escalating conflict with the Trump administration.