Iraqs militias serve Iran's interests and control parts of Iraq. Thus, during tensions between Iran and the US, they are used to enforce Iran’s policies.

Israel and Iran have opened a new chapter in their long history of conflict. Israel launched a major attack with strikes early Friday that set off explosions in the Iranian capital of Tehran.

The targeted assassinations mark one of the most significant developments in the long-running shadow war between the two regional rivals, sending shockwaves across the Middle East and prompting global concern over the potential for a broader conflict.

The Lebanese militant group Hezbollah was long considered Iran’s first line of defense in case of a war with Israel