Kataib Hezbollah Chief Urges Ongoing Caution Vis-a-Vis the U.S.

On April 13, the Secretary General of Kataib Hezbollah (KH), Ahmad Mohsen Faraj al-Hamidawi (aka Abu Hussein) issued a statement on behalf of his group (see figure 1). The statement is a call for (1) military restraint and (2) a focus on the upcoming elections, with the substantive portion as follows:

What Iraq and the region are going through at this moment is one of the most delicate and dangerous phases, requiring us to understand it and engage with it responsibly, consciously, and wisely within the framework of controls and [Islamic] legal obligations. This [approach] will thwart the opportunity for enemies and those who lie in wait for our nation and people, so that we may continue to be, as we have been, advocates of truth and makers of the future. 

As we approach the parliamentary elections, we remind you (“And remind, for indeed, the reminder benefits the believers.” [ed. quoting from Quran Surat adh-Dhariyat]) that active participation in the elections is an essential step that should not be overlooked or neglected. Our brothers and sisters should prepare for them with enthusiasm and effectiveness, and should update their information in a timely manner, so as not to squander their rights and the rights of their families and their country, as negligence in this regard only serves the corrupt and those who stand behind them. 

It is our duty to all work together to preserve trust and achieve justice, prosperity, and power in the country of the Commander of the Faithful (peace be upon him). We must be a strong fortress defending values, aiding the oppressed, and standing up to oppressors.

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This is not the first time Abu Hussein has used a statement to publicly demonstrate KH desire for military restraint at a sensitive juncture. In January 2024 he issued a statement suspending military operations following a drone strike in Jordan that killed three Americans and wounded many more. At the time, Militia Spotlight assessed Abu Hussein’s goal was to deescalate and forestall an imminent U.S. military operation, while supporting Iranian information operations. 

This latest statement, however, is likely an attempt to achieve three objectives. First, Abu Hussein and KH are likely to be supporting direction issued by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps–Quds Force (IRGC-QF) to avoid escalation or miscalculation – hence the stated need to operate within a “framework of Islamic controls and obligations.” This need is driven by current sensitivities relating to negotiations between the Islamic Republic and the Trump Administration, as well as wider regional tensions. Notably, other radical Iraqi militias also appear to be aligning with this restrained stance. For example, groups like Harakat al-Nujaba and Kataib Sayyed al-Shuhada—both known for issuing frequent and aggressive statements—have moderated their rhetoric in recent weeks. 

Second, Abu Hussein likely seeks to reassure KH grassroots members (and wider “Axis of Resistance” membership) frustrated by Iranian and Axis setbacks around the Middle East. These members will likely become restive without effective guidance and could launch unsanctioned and counterproductive attacks on Israel or on U.S. forces if they feel leadership is failing to act. By framing the current moment as a critical juncture requiring wisdom and restraint, Abu Hussein is justifying the ongoing tactical pause while reaffirming the group’s long-term vision and “resistance” credentials.

Third, Abu Hussein reveals the most important effort for the “Axis of Resistance”: securing strong results in November’s parliamentary elections. Maintaining control of the parliament (and thereby influence over the executive branch) is of vital importance for Iran and Iran-backed militias. A loss of political sway would jeopardize a range of economic, political, and military benefits accrued over the past parliament. The concrete steps for members included in the statement relate to voter registration (versus more general statements about the need to act with control) and clearly reveal the importance KH leadership is placing on the elections.

The military pause continues… …for now

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Abu Hussein’s statement indicates that KH and, likely, other major members of the “Axis of Resistance” will continue to engage in military restraint while Iran-U.S. negotiations continue in Oman. Iraqi actors affiliated with the “Axis of Resistance”, however, have signaled that the current posture is conditions based. Recently, Sadr al-Din al-Qubbanji, a member of the Leadership Council of the Islamic Supreme Council of Iraq and the Friday Prayer Leader in Najaf, made it clear that Iraqi militias will target U.S. assets in Iraq if Iran is attacked. In a Friday sermon on April 4 he claimed “[t]he five American bases in Iraq — the ones that are public knowledge… they’re within range of Iranian artillery… the very second Iran is struck… you’ll see these go up in flames… in fact, they’re within range of our own youth’s [Iraqi militia] artillery. Do you think our youth stay silent? Our youth won’t stay silent, and no one can stand in their way” (Figure 2).