U.S. and Iran-Linked Militias Exchange Strikes in Iraq Amid Ongoing Hormuz Blockade

Iraq has emerged as a primary secondary theater in the U.S.-Iran conflict following a series of drone and missile attacks by Iran-linked militias. Groups including the Iraqi Hezbollah Brigades targeted the U.S. Victory base near Baghdad and civilian areas in Erbil. In response, the U.S. military launched airstrikes on Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) positions in Kirkuk, causing at least four injuries. Following the escalation, the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad urged all American citizens to leave the country immediately due to heightened security risks. The Iraqi government has expressed concern over its territory being used for proxy warfare, as militias intensify operations without official state endorsement. Meanwhile, the global economic impact of the conflict persists as Iran continues to choke off the Strait of Hormuz. With approximately one-fifth of the world’s oil supply blocked, analysts warn that U.S. naval options to reopen the chokepoint face significant hazards. While President Donald Trump previously indicated openness to a ceasefire, there has been no fresh progress on diplomatic back-channels or official negotiations in the last 24 hours. Domestic conditions in Iraq remain volatile as pro-Iran groups vow further retaliation, further complicating the regional security landscape.