Following recent American strikes on Iran, Hezbollah and Iran-backed militant groups in Iraq have been placed on high alert, officials and witnesses say. The heightened vigilance reflects concerns that further US military actions could provoke retaliatory responses from the region.

US naval forces have been repositioned near the Middle East, signalling readiness for potential operations. Observers note that Hezbollah in Lebanon and other Iran-aligned groups remain prepared to act if the situation escalates.

Hezbollah deputy leader Naim Qassem said the strikes against Iran also target his group, warning that any attempt on Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei would constitute “an act of terrorism that occurs in the midst of the Middle East and globally.”

Qassem further indicated that Iran-backed militant groups in Iraq are ready to respond to attacks from the United States or Israel, underscoring the potential for a wider regional confrontation.