Iraq Removes Hezbollah, Houthis from Asset-Freeze List Citing Error

Iraq has reversed its decision to freeze the assets of two prominent Iran-aligned groups, calling their inclusion a mistake. Officials announced on Thursday that Lebanon's Hezbollah and Yemen's Houthis will be removed from the list. The groups appeared last month in an official publication from Iraq's Justice Ministry. This gazette listed organizations whose funds would be blocked under national law. The initial listing caused confusion and drew criticism. It would have aligned Iraq's policy more closely with Washington, which views both groups as terrorist organizations, and increased pressure on Iran. A government letter clarified the inclusion was an error. The list has now been corrected, officials stated.