ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Iraq’s pro-Iran Kataib Hezbollah on Thursday called on its fighters to prepare for what it described as a potential “war of attrition,” while warning the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) against cooperating with what it called “hostile foreign forces,” amid heightened US-Iran tensions and military movements in the region.
In a late Thursday statement, the group said “amidst American threats and the military buildup that portends a dangerous escalation in the region, we emphasize the necessity for all Mujahideen [fighters] to prepare to wage a war of attrition that may be long-term, exceeding the estimates of the US administration.”
The warning comes as the United States has deployed warships and fighter jets in what is described as the largest military buildup in the Middle East in decades. President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened to strike Iran if talks fail, while Tehran has previously employed aggressive tactics, including blocking a key international waterway during earlier rounds of negotiations.
“Should evil America proceed to ignite the fuse of war in the region, it will find itself facing massive losses that cannot be contained or recovered,” read the statement.
The remarks came despite the conclusion of a third round of talks on Thursday between the US and Iran in Geneva without a final agreement. Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr Al-Busaidi, who is mediating the talks, announced that both seides are set to hold another round of “technical level” talks in Vienna next week.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told state media that “good progress” had been made.
Kataib Hezbollah, in addition to its warning to Washington, said that “we warn the Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq against the consequences of colluding with hostile foreign forces, as this will impose additional burdens upon it that may threaten its security and future.