Iraq Swiftly Reverses Terror Designation for Hezbollah and Houthis
In a rapid and decisive move, the Iraqi government has officially withdrawn its recent designation of Lebanon's Hezbollah and Yemen's Houthi movement as terrorist organizations. This significant retraction occurred mere hours after news of the initial classification began to circulate, with Baghdad quickly clarifying the situation.
An Acknowledged Procedural Error
An official statement from the Iraqi government explained that the controversial listing was an "error made before reviewing" the matter. This indicates that the initial designation was the result of a procedural oversight rather than a deliberate, considered shift in foreign policy.
The swift reversal underscores the delicate balance of regional politics and the potential diplomatic repercussions that such a high-profile designation could have. The incident, which unfolded on December 5, 2025, from the capital, Baghdad, briefly caused a stir before the clarification was issued.
Government's Prompt Action
The administration led by Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani acted promptly to rectify this misstep. This immediate response highlights the government's commitment to ensuring accuracy and thorough review in its foreign policy decisions, especially concerning influential regional entities. The retraction effectively nullifies the erroneous classification, restoring the prior diplomatic stance regarding these groups from Iraq's perspective.