Iranian Proxy Commander Charged in US Plot to Attack Jewish Sites

A senior commander from Kataib Hezbollah, one of Iran’s most powerful and hardline armed groups in Iraq, has been charged with orchestrating a plot to attack Jewish targets in the United States. The indictment marks a significant escalation in U.S. efforts to counter Iranian-backed militias operating beyond the Middle East. Kataib Hezbollah, or “Party of God” in Arabic, is a Shiite militant faction that receives funding, weapons, and training from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The group has been designated a terrorist organization by the U.S. since 2009. Its fighters have long attacked American troops and diplomats in Iraq, but this case involves planning attacks on American soil. The commander’s alleged plan included targeting Jewish community centers, synagogues, and other sites. Federal prosecutors say the conspiracy was uncovered before any attack could be carried out. No further details on the specific targets or timeline were released due to the ongoing investigation. The charges highlight the continued threat posed by Iranian proxy networks, even as U.S.-led negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program remain stalled. The case also underscores the wide reach of armed groups that Washington has long sought to contain.