Islamic Resistance in Iraq
| Islamic Resistance in Iraq IRI | |
|---|---|
| المقاومة الإسلامية في العراق | |
Flag commonly used by Shiite resistance groups in Iraq. | |
| Leaders | Ahmad al-Hamidawi Akram al-Kaabi Qais Khazali Abu Ala al-Walai Haydar Muzhir Ma’lak al-Sa’idi |
| Dates of operation | 2020–present |
| Allegiance | Iran (IRGC) |
| Group(s) | See groups |
| Ideology | Shia Islamism Khomeinism Anti-Americanism Anti-Zionism Anti-Sunnism Anti-imperialism |
| Size | 70,000 |
| Part of | Axis of Resistance |
| Allies | Iran Syria (until 2024) Russia Hezbollah Houthi movement Hamas Palestinian Islamic Jihad |
| Opponents | United States United Kingdom Israel Jordan Palestinian Authority Syria (from 2024) Syrian Democratic Forces |
| Battles and wars | |
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq (IRI; Arabic: المقاومة الإسلامية في العراق) refers to an informal network of Iranian-backed Shia Islamist armed groups 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.
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 said that it was prepared to disarm to avert an escalating conflict with the Trump administration.