Spotlight on Iran

Highlights^[1]

• Qods Force commander Esmail Qaani praised the involvement of the “Resistance Axis” in the campaign alongside Iran, noting that they waged a “heroic war.”
• Until the ceasefire in Iran on April 8, 2026, the Houthis claimed responsibility for four attacks against Israel using ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones. It was reported that three ballistic missiles were either intercepted or fell in open areas, and one drone was intercepted.
• The pro-Iranian militias in Iraq continued their attacks using rockets, missiles, and drones against US bases and facilities in Iraq, the Gulf states, and Jordan until the ceasefire. The militias announced that at least eighty commanders and operatives were killed in strikes attributed to the United States against Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) bases in Iraq during the campaign.
• Senior Iranian officials strongly condemned the IDF strikes in Lebanon following the ceasefire between Iran and the United States, claiming they violated the understandings reached with the United States. The IRGC and “Resistance Axis” militias warned that continued strikes would lead to a harsh response on their part.
• The Supreme Leader of Iran, Mojtaba Khamenei, sent a message to Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem, emphasizing Iran’s support for the “resistance against the Zionist and American enemy.” The Iranian Supreme Leader’s advisor warned the Lebanese Prime Minister that ignoring the role of the “resistance” would expose Lebanon to “irreversible security risks.”
• The Iranian foreign minister spoke with Mohammad-Reza Raouf Sheibani, the Iranian ambassador who was expelled from Lebanon but refused to leave the country, and discussed the Israeli strikes in Lebanon and recent developments in the country.
• The United States has offered a ten-million-dollar reward for information on the whereabouts of the secretary-general of Kata’ib Hezbollah in Iraq.

The “Axis of Resistance” amid the Campaign in Iran

Iran

• In a letter issued by Qods Force commander Esmail Qaani following the ceasefire between Iran, the United States, and Israel (April 8, 2026), he congratulated the “brave jihadist fighters of the resistance front” for their involvement in the fighting. Qaani noted that through their correct understanding of events and their brave decisions, they waged a heroic war against the “enemies of humanity” and made them regret their actions. He expressed deep appreciation for their extraordinary and inspiring efforts and thanked each and every one of them (Tabnak, April 9, 2026).
• As part of the strikes in Iran before the ceasefire, the IDF continued the targeted killings of senior Qods Force officials: on March 31, 2026, Mahdi Vafaei, who served as the head of the engineering branch of the Qods Force’s Lebanon Corps, was eliminated. It was noted that he held the position for twenty years, and as part of his activities, he promoted underground projects in Lebanon and Syria and managed dozens of underground projects used by Hezbollah for storing advanced weaponry (IDF Spokesperson, April 1, 2026). On April 6, 2026, Asghar Baqeri, the commander of the Special Operations Unit (840), was eliminated. Baqeri held a series of senior positions in the Qods Force, through which he promoted numerous efforts to strike Israeli and American targets worldwide. Furthermore, he promoted terrorist activities against the State of Israel and led an effort to attack IDF forces operating in the buffer zone in Syria using Syrian operatives who previously served in Assad’s army. Additionally, he directed attempts to smuggle military weaponry from Iran into Israeli territory (IDF Spokesperson, April 6, 2026).

The Houthis

• Between March 30 and the announcement of the ceasefire on April 8, 2026, Yahya Saria, the spokesperson for the Houthi Armed Forces, claimed responsibility for four attacks in Israel (Ben Gurion Airport and targets in central and southern Israel) using ballistic missiles, including at least one missile with a cluster warhead, cruise missiles, and drones. According to Saria, all attacks were carried out in coordination with Iran and Hezbollah and achieved their objectives (Yahya Saria’s Telegram channel, March 30 – April 8, 2026). Three cases were reported in which a ballistic missile launched from Yemen was either intercepted or fell in an open area, along with the interception of at least one drone (Israeli media, March 30 – April 8, 2026).
• The Houthi leader, Abd al-Malik al-Houthi, noted in his weekly speech on April 2, 2026, that the armed forces launch missiles and drones as part of joint operations with the “Resistance Axis,” and that they do so out of a “religious and national duty.” According to him, Iran demonstrates “stability and effectiveness” against American and Israeli attacks through missile and drone strikes against American bases and Israeli infrastructure, and by downing many of the “enemy’s” aircraft. Additionally, al-Houthi emphasized the importance of popular support in Iran for the regime and the cohesion among members of the “Resistance Axis.” He claimed that if Iran were to fall, Arab countries would immediately surrender and allow the “Zionist takeover” of the entire region, accusing them of defeatism and collaboration with the “enemy” (Al-Masirah, April 2, 2026). In his subsequent weekly speech, following the ceasefire, al-Houthi claimed that one of the central achievements of the “Yemen front” was preventing the use of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait by the US and Israel for military purposes as part of their operations against Iran and the “Resistance Axis.” He emphasized that the Houthis are actively participating in the activities of the “Resistance Axis” by launching missiles and drones toward Israeli targets and that this activity is on an escalatory path, with more “surprises and significant capabilities” expected depending on developments on the ground. He added that the continuation of Israeli activity in Lebanon and “Palestine” could lead to a “return to a state of broad fighting” (Al-Masirah, April 9, 2026).
• Mohammad Ali al-Houthi, a member of the Houthi Supreme Political Council (SPC), emphasized that the Houthis would adhere to the terms of the ceasefire between the US and Iran as long as the US stops its “aggression.” According to him, the Houthis have no intention of attacking any Muslim country as long as the Houthis themselves are not attacked by it, and their goal is to prevent the use of the Red Sea for military purposes against Muslim countries. He further added that the decision to attack Israel was exclusively the Houthis’ and that they did not do so due to a request from another party (CNN, April 6, 2026).
• It was reported that the Houthis are monitoring American movements at bases in the Horn of Africa. A “Houthi military source familiar with the details” stated that “Sana’a’s hand is on the trigger, and our eyes are wide open regarding all movements in the Red Sea. The military decision on the matter is subject to the developments of the campaign.” According to the report, information received by the Houthis indicates that the US has transferred hundreds of soldiers from military bases under attack by Iran in the Gulf states to countries in the Horn of Africa bordering the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. “Intelligence sources” in Sana’a even claimed to have tracked the arrival of hundreds of personnel from the 82nd Airborne Division to Camp Lemonnier in Djibouti under the pretext of securing potential evacuation operations for Western citizens and providing logistical assistance for naval activity in the Gulf of Aden (Al-Akhbar, March 31, 2026).

The pro-Iranian militias in Iraq

• On April 8, 2026, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq announced the suspension of its operations in Iraq and the region for two weeks, coinciding with the declaration of the ceasefire between Iran and the United States. Between March 30 and the ceasefire, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq claimed responsibility for 184 attacks using missiles and drones against “enemy headquarters” in Iraq and the region. Since the beginning of the campaign in Iran on February 28, 2026, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq militias have claimed responsibility for at least 823 attacks, which were primarily directed at American facilities in Baghdad, the Kurdish region in northern Iraq, and neighboring countries (Islamic Resistance in Iraq Telegram channel, March 30 – April 8, 2026). Saraya Awliya al-Dam, a front militia with ties to Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq that also declares its affiliation with the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, claimed responsibility for 35 attacks against “American headquarters in the region” during the same period. In total, the militia claimed it carried out at least 195 attacks since the beginning of the campaign (Saraya Awliya al-Dam Telegram channel, March 30 – April 8, 2026). The Kata’ib Sarkhat al-Quds militia, which serves as a front for Harakat al-Nujaba, claimed responsibility for drone attacks against “American and Zionist targets” in northern Iraq and Kuwait (Kata’ib Sarkhat al-Quds Telegram channel, April 1–6, 2026).
• Until the ceasefire, strikes attributed to the Americans continued – although no party officially claimed responsibility for them – against bases and assets of pro-Iranian militias in various regions across Iraq. The Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), the umbrella organization of the militias, reported at least 11 deaths from its ranks in the strikes (PMF Telegram channel and Iraqi media, March 30 – April 8, 2026). According to the PMF, from the start of the campaign on February 28, 2026, until the ceasefire, approximately eighty of its personnel were killed, and more than 270 were wounded (PMF Telegram channel, April 10, 2026). Kata’ib Hezbollah reported that 25 of their commanders and operatives were killed in the strikes (Kata’ib Hezbollah Telegram channel, April 9, 2026).

• It was reported that IRGC officers refused a request from the Iraqi government and leaders of the Shiite Coordination Framework parties to stop the attacks in Iraq. The report also noted that IRGC officers continue to manage the operations of the militias in Iraq and act as a “military supervisor in the shadows” to maintain a front that will exert pressure on the US in light of the possibility that negotiations between it and Iran might fail (Asharq Al-Awsat, April 11, 2026).
• Before and after the ceasefire, the Shiite militias in Iraq continued to express their support for Iran and emphasize the role of the “Resistance Axis”:
  • The Coordination Framework of the Islamic Resistance in Iraq expressed its appreciation to the Iraqi people for their “supportive positions toward the resistance axis.” Additionally, the framework attacked the leaders of Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE for their support “of the crimes of the Zionist-American enemy and their betrayal of the Iraqi people.” It called on the Iraqi government to punish Jordan by closing the border and stopping oil shipments from Iraq. The framework further called for protecting Qatar’s interests – excluding American bases – in light of its “responsible positions regarding Palestine and the resistance axis” (Coordination Framework Telegram channel, April 2, 2026).
  • Ahmad Mohsen Faraj al-Hamidawi, the secretary-general of Kata’ib Hezbollah, charged that “the enemy has lost its balance” and began attacking hospitals, bridges, educational institutions, and civilian infrastructure in Iran, thereby violating all international laws and norms. According to him, the Americans and Israelis have collapsed and are seeking a ceasefire to facilitate the evacuation of their “scattered forces.” He emphasized that the Strait of Hormuz will not be opened to “enemies” and that the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was a “grave sin” that “resistance fighters” will not remain silent about until “the face of West Asia changes” (Kata’ib Hezbollah Telegram channel, April 6, 2026). In another statement issued by al-Hamidawi after the ceasefire, he claimed that the “front of arrogance” has crumbled and the “Zionist-American enemy and its servants in the region” have been humiliated. He claimed that the steadfastness and resilience of the “Resistance Axis” forced the US to surrender to a “new equation it has never encountered.” He emphasized that the conflict has not ended because it is an eternal and existential struggle, and that the war will not stop until Judgment Day. Additionally, al-Hamidawi stated that “our eyes remain vigilant, and our hands never leave the trigger,” thanking the peoples of Iraq, Iran, Lebanon, and Yemen for their support of the “Resistance Axis” (Kata’ib Hezbollah Telegram channel, April 11, 2026).
  • Akram al-Kaabi, the secretary-general of Harakat al-Nujaba, declared after the ceasefire that the “Resistance Axis” had won, claiming that US President Trump is promoting a “script based on dreams and wishful thinking, without basis in reality.” Al-Kaabi added that although the Americans have advanced war machines, they “fell apart” after entering the campaign and suffered from short circuits, fires, getting stuck in the mud, and other malfunctions (Akram al-Kaabi’s X account, April 8, 2026). Later, al-Kaabi claimed that the American administration began to concentrate on the Strait of Hormuz after exhausting all its targets. According to him, “the American” (Trump) has lost his target compass and is only trying to promote an “embarrassing and improvised plan to buy time” and emerge with few losses in the negotiations to end the war (Akram al-Kaabi’s X account, April 12, 2026).
• On March 31, 2026, Kata’ib Hezbollah kidnapped American journalist Shelly Kittleson. She was released a week later, and it was reported that in exchange, several operatives belonging to the militia were released (Iraqi and American media, March 31 and April 7, 2026). In a statement published by the militia, it was claimed that Kittleson was released as a gesture to the Iraqi Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani, “in recognition of his national positions,” on the condition that the journalist leave Iraq immediately. The statement further said that such “initiatives” would not occur again in the future in light of the “war opened by the Zionist-American enemy against Islam.” The militia also published a video of Kittleson, in which she “admitted” that the American consul had asked her for information about the Iraqi militias (Kata’ib Hezbollah Telegram channel, April 7, 2026). It should be recalled that Kata’ib Hezbollah kidnapped the Israeli researcher Elizabeth Tsurkov in March 2023 and released her in September 2025.

Syria

• In a statement on behalf of the commander of the “Islamic Resistance Front in Syria – Possessors of Might (Ulu al-Ba’s, or UAB)”, Abu Mujahed, he congratulated the Islamic Republic of Iran “for its great strategic victory, which shattered the arrogance of American-Zionist aggression with its steadfast resistance.” He claimed that this was “the dawn of a new day” and that “this victory is proof to the entire world that when the truth is based on strength and faith, no arrogant force can defeat it” (Islamic Resistance Front in Syria Telegram channel, April 9, 2026).

Iran and the “Axis of Resistance” amid Developments in Lebanon

Iran

• Iran’s Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, sent a message to Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem, thanking him for his condolences on the death of Iran’s previous Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei. He emphasized that steadfastness and persistence against the toughest enemies of the Islamic nation – the US and the “Zionist regime” – were among the prominent characteristics of Ali Khamenei. He further noted that the history of the Islamic “resistance” is full of struggle, courage, and sacrifice. Khamenei wrote to Qassem that he bears the responsibility of leading the organization at this sensitive moment in the history of the “resistance,” expressing confidence in his wisdom, sagacity, and courage to thwart the “Zionist enemy’s” plans, defeat it, and restore honor and happiness to the Lebanese people. He added that the Islamic Republic will continue to support the “resistance” against the “Zionist and American enemy” (Fars, April 1, 2026).
• Amid direct negotiations between Lebanon and Israel, the Iranian Supreme Leader’s advisor for international affairs, Ali-Akbar Velayati, warned that Lebanon’s Prime Minister, Nawaf Salam, must understand that ignoring the irreplaceable role of the “resistance” and Hezbollah would expose Lebanon to “irreversible security risks.” He added that Lebanon’s stability depends solely on the integration of forces between the state and the “resistance” (Ali-Akbar Velayati’s X account, April 11, 2026).
• Esmail Baghaei, the spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, strongly condemned the IDF strikes in Lebanon following the ceasefire achieved with Iran, calling them a “despicable and shameful crime.” He noted that, as the Prime Minister of Pakistan also emphasized, the cessation of fighting in the Lebanese arena is one of the components of the understandings regarding the ceasefire between Iran and the US; therefore, Israel’s strikes in Lebanon constitute a “clear violation” of these understandings. Baghaei warned of the consequences of the Israeli strikes, which include, according to him, the “massacre” of Lebanese civilians and the destruction of residential areas, emphasizing the direct responsibility of the US in this matter (Iranian Foreign Ministry Telegram channel, April 8, 2026). Majles Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf also emphasized that Lebanon and the entire “Resistance Axis” are an integral part of the ceasefire. He noted that violations of the ceasefire would exact a high price and a strong response (Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf’s X account, April 9, 2026).
• The IRGC warned the US and Israel of the consequences of continuing Israeli strikes in Lebanon. In a statement they published, it was written that if the attacks on Lebanon do not stop immediately, the organization will act in accordance with its duty and respond in a way that will make the “wicked aggressors in the region” regret it (Nour News, April 8, 2026). Qods Force commander Esmail Qaani also condemned the IDF strikes in Lebanon. In a written message he published, it was stated that the history of the “Zionist regime” is full of “crimes against humanity and the killing of innocent civilians, women, and children.” He added that “the criminal and child-murderer Netanyahu” sought to prove through the cruel acts in Lebanon that he is more cruel than his “humiliated master, the USA.” Qaani emphasized that the “enemy” should know that a harsh and painful punishment awaits it (Asr-e Iran, April 9, 2026).
• In this context, it was reported that as part of the strikes carried out by the Israeli Air Force in Beirut on April 8, 2026 (Operation Eternal Darkness), several IRGC personnel operating in Lebanon were also killed (MTV Lebanon, April 10, 2026).
• Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi spoke by phone with Mohammad-Reza Raouf Sheibani, Iran’s ambassador to Beirut, who was expelled by the Lebanese government and refused to leave the country after the deadline on March 29, 2026. The two discussed the Israeli strikes in Lebanon and the latest developments in the military and political arena in the country. Araghchi condemned the strikes and emphasized Iran’s support for the “legitimate resistance in Lebanon” against Israel. Furthermore, the foreign minister noted that the understandings regarding the ceasefire between Iran and the United States also include Lebanon, emphasizing the need to stop Israel’s strikes and the duty of the United States to fulfill its commitments in this regard (Iranian Embassy in Lebanon, X post, April 10, 2026).

The pro-Iranian militias in Iraq

• Akram al-Kaabi, the secretary-general of Harakat al-Nujaba, threatened that the “Resistance Axis” would resume operations against Israel in response to the series of strikes in Lebanon on April 8, 2026. In a statement he published, al-Kaabi warned that “given the ongoing disrespect and violation of treaties and agreements and the harm to our people in Lebanon, the resistance front will once again impose its will by force.” He added that “times have changed” and that the “Zionist enemy must regret its treachery” (Akram al-Kaabi’s X account, April 8, 2026).
• Abu Ala al-Wala’i, the secretary-general of Kata’ib Sayyid al-Shuhada, also condemned Israel for the attack in Lebanon. He charged that the “massacres” conducted by the “defeated” Netanyahu against the Lebanese are an attempt to cover up his “historic breaking” against Iran and the “Resistance Axis.” Al-Wala’i called for a response from the “Resistance Axis operations room” against Israel that would exact a price. It was further emphasized that there is a need to keep the campaign open against the “usurping entity” and against the “normalizing countries in which the Zionist entity’s interests exist,” such as the UAE, Bahrain, and others (Abu Ala al-Wala’i’s X account, April 8, 2026).

Syria

• The “Islamic Resistance Front in Syria – Possessors of Might (Ulu al-Ba’s, or UAB)” condemned the extensive Israeli attack in Lebanon on April 8, 2026, claiming it was “treachery that opened a new account.” The statement further said that “our silence now is a strategic pause and an opportune moment for what is to come on the battlefield” (Islamic Resistance Front in Syria Telegram channel, April 9, 2026).

Iran’s Involvement in Iraq

• Iran’s Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, expressed in a message sent to Sayyid Ammar al-Hakim, leader of the National Wisdom Movement in Iraq, his appreciation for al-Hakim’s positions in support of Iran and in condemnation of the “aggressive actions of the Zionist regime and the United States against Iran.” The message was delivered to al-Hakim by Iran’s ambassador in Baghdad, Mohammad Kazem Al-e Sadeq. During the meeting, which was also attended by the Iranian cultural attaché in Baghdad, the participants discussed relations between the two countries as well (Shafaqna, March 30, 2026).

• Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi spoke with his Iraqi counterpart, Fuad Hussein, and discussed the latest developments in the region following the ceasefire between Iran and the United States and the relations between the countries. Araghchi expressed gratitude for the support of the religious establishment, government, and people of Iraq for Iran during the war, condemned Israel’s strikes in Lebanon, and emphasized that the ceasefire in Lebanon was part of the understandings regarding the ceasefire between Iran and the United States. The Iraqi foreign minister welcomed the end of the war against Iran and expressed hope that it would lead to a full end to the war and the achievement of peace and stability in the region (Iranian Foreign Ministry Telegram channel, April 9, 2026).

The Houthis in Yemen

• Houthi leader Abd al-Malik al-Houthi noted that “Palestine” is the “core issue” of the Muslim nation. He condemned the closure of the Al-Aqsa Mosque in the Old City of Jerusalem, the Israeli law “for the execution of Palestinian prisoners,” and the “continuation of the killing in Gaza and the West Bank” (Al-Masirah, April 2, 2026).
• The Houthi Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the passage of the law “for the execution of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli prisons” by the Israeli Knesset. The ministry stated that it views this step as a “dangerous escalation and a flagrant violation” of international law, and that it constitutes further evidence of the “Israeli enemy entity’s” persistence in killing and bloodshed (Houthi Ministry of Foreign Affairs Telegram channel, March 31, 2026).
• The Houthi Security and Intelligence Agency announced the arrest of several “espionage agents” who worked for “Israeli enemy intelligence” and transferred important security information about military and security sites and their locations. The agency called on the Yemeni people to be vigilant and aware in order to help thwart similar “plots” (Houthi Military Media Telegram channel, April 4, 2026).
• Photos and documents published on a security website opposing the Houthis showed senior military leaders in the Houthi armed forces receiving military and technical training in the field of missiles and drones at facilities of the IRGC Aerospace Force. The photos showed former Houthi Chief of Staff, Mohammed al-Ghamari, and Zakaria Hajar, head of the Houthi drone program (both killed during 2025 in US and Israeli strikes), alongside the commander of the Iranian missile force, Hassan Tehrani Moghaddam (killed in an explosion in November 2011), inside laboratories and military facilities in Iran, likely during training courses and technological tests. According to the report, the courses likely took place between 2009-2011 and included participation in technical experiments and simulations of launching and developing missile systems, which explains the qualitative jump in Houthi military capabilities in recent years. It was also noted that upon al-Ghamari and Hajar’s return from Iran, they played a crucial role in managing Houthi military production programs and supervising the development of weapon systems used in Houthi operations inside Yemen and across the Middle East (Defense Line, April 7, 2026).

The Pro-Iranian Militias in Iraq

• The US State Department announced a reward of ten million dollars for information on the secretary-general of Kata’ib Hezbollah, Ahmad Mohsen Faraj al-Hamidawi, and presented an updated photo of him for the first time. The announcement stated that Kata’ib Hezbollah has been attacking American citizens and facilities in Iraq for years and has also kidnapped American citizens and killed Iraqi civilians. Al-Hamidawi has headed Kata’ib Hezbollah since January 2020, after replacing Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, who was eliminated with Qods Force commander Qasem Soleimani on January 3, 2020. In February 2020, the US administration added al-Hamidawi to the list of Specially Designated Global Terrorists and imposed sanctions on him (State Department Rewards for Justice website, April 14, 2026).

The Militias in Syria

• The “Islamic Resistance Front in Syria – Possessors of Might (Ulu al-Ba’s, or UAB)” published a statement which it defined as a “strategic analysis regarding the events of the hour.” The statement said that the characteristics of the existential struggle against the “Zionist-American project” are clearly manifested as a clash between the “will for national liberation and global systems of arrogance.” According to the organization, the stability of the “Zionist entity” and its continued qualitative superiority are made possible through the network of American bases spread across the region. Accordingly, any “real project” aimed at comprehensive liberation and the restoration of sovereignty over the occupied territories, led by “Palestine,” must necessarily include the dismantling of these military bases. It was further claimed that removing this foreign presence could drastically change the balance of power and deprive the “occupation” of its international guarantees, thereby objectively paving the way for its “geographical and political collapse” (Islamic Resistance Front in Syria Telegram channel, April 6, 2026).

^[1] The weekly study includes the activities of Iran, the Shiite militias in Iraq, and the Houthis in Yemen.

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