The United States Embassy in Baghdad issued an urgent advisory Thursday instructing American citizens to "leave now," as the expanding conflict with Iran raises the threat of attacks by Tehran-aligned militia groups operating across Iraq.
The stark warning, posted on the Embassy's website and disseminated through emergency communication channels, represents the most serious alert issued to Americans in Iraq since the height of the Islamic State crisis in 2014-2015. It reflects growing intelligence assessments that Iranian proxy forces may target American civilians, contractors, and diplomatic personnel in retaliation for U.S. strikes on Iranian territory.
"Do not wait for a worsening security situation," the advisory stated, according to The Hill. "U.S. citizens in Iraq are at high risk of violence and kidnapping."
To understand today's headlines, we must look at yesterday's decisions. Iraq has long served as a battleground for U.S.-Iranian competition. Following the 2003 American invasion, Tehran cultivated an extensive network of Shia militia groups that fought U.S. forces during the occupation and later evolved into powerful political-military organizations.
These groups—including Kata'ib Hezbollah, Harakat Hezbollah al-Nujaba, and Asaib Ahl al-Haq—maintain significant military capabilities and have repeatedly demonstrated willingness to attack American interests. In 2019-2020, they conducted rocket attacks on the Baghdad Embassy compound and military bases hosting U.S. personnel.
The current environment differs fundamentally from past crises. Previous militia attacks occurred during periods of managed tension between Washington and Tehran. Now, with the two nations engaged in direct military conflict, Iraqi militia groups may receive explicit authorization or even directives to escalate operations.

