Iran's Revolutionary Guards have transferred surface-to-surface missiles to Shiite militias in Iraq for the first time, according to sources who spoke with the British newspaper The Times. According to the report, Iran transferred long-range missiles to militias in Iraq to reinforce the regime's military front in the region, despite President Donald Trump's statements that Tehran would be held responsible for the activities of its terror proxies in the Middle East.
The report further noted that Tehran is increasing its presence in the region by supplying new types of weapons to militias in Iraq. This contradicts expectations that support would cease during preparations for negotiations with the US regarding Iran's nuclear and missile programs.
Based on intelligence sources monitoring the long border between Iran and Iraq, the weapons transfer took place last week, marking the first time surface-to-surface missiles were transferred to an Iranian ally.
In Iraq, numerous militias loyal to Iran operate under the umbrella organization Hashd al-Shaabi. Among the central militias are "Hezbollah Brigades" in Iraq, al-Nujaba, and Kata'ib Sayyid al-Shuhada. The publication contradicts a previous report by Reuters that the militias were "considering disarming."
