“Biden Urged to Take Action: Crack Down on Iran-Backed Militias!

In an effort to contain the influence of Iran-supported militias throughout the Middle East, a bipartisan resolution was passed by the United States House of Representatives, calling on the Biden administration to take decisive action against these foreign proxy forces. The resolution, which passed through the House in a 392-13 vote, is co-sponsored by a wide array of bipartisan supporters including 282 Democrats and 110 Republicans. It urges the Biden administration to pressure foreign governments into denying any support for these Iran-backed groups, while also punishing those parties that continue to support them. Additionally, it calls for the US government to pursue diplomatic efforts towards Iraq and Lebanon in hopes of curtailing these controversial militias. These Iran-supported non-state military forces, which are active in Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen, have caused significant regional instability, often operating outside the auspices of the central governments. They are seen as threats by the US both in regards to regional power dynamics, as well as national security. Moreover, these militias have been utilized by Tehran to advance their own agenda in the region, including military aggression against US and Israeli interests. The resolution further states the US government should investigate and expose human rights violations committed by these Iran-backed militias, while also taking financial measures to target any related individuals or entities. It is believed that such measures could possibly include sanctions against not only Iran-supported militia groups, but also against their associated countries, individuals, and entities. The bipartisan resolution comes just a few months after the Biden administration implemented sanctions against the cluster of armed groups in Iraq such as the Popular Mobilization Forces and Kataeib Hezbollah, which have been linked to numerous terrorist attacks against US forces in the past. The resolution is yet another step in the US’s diplomatic push against Iran’s military presence in the region. It is also likely to add pressures to other countries such as Syria, Lebanon, and Yemen, who have been receiving support from Tehran in the form of paramilitary forces. Ultimately, the resolution offers a clear call to the Biden administration to take direct measures to combat these Iran-supported militias, in a bid to reduce tensions and promote stability throughout the Middle East.