'We are in a war,' alleged Iran-backed forces exclaims in US court
Topic: defense & securityRegion: Middle EastUpdated: i2 outletsSources: 2Spectrum: MixedFiltered: Middle East (2/2)· Clear⏱ 4 min read⚠ 3d+ old
Story Summary
SITUATION
Iraqi national Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saadi claimed in a Manhattan federal court, 'We are in a war,' while pleading not guilty to eight counts related to terrorism. US prosecutors allege that Al-Saadi helped plan attacks in Europe and the United States, including against a New York synagogue (per jpost.com).
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KEY FACTS
- US prosecutors say Kata'ib Hezbollah is directed by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
- ‘We are in a war,’ alleged Iran-backed Iraqi terror commander exclaims in US court - The Times of Israel
- ‘We are in a war,’ alleged Iran-backed Iraqi terror commander exclaims in US court - The Times of Israel ‘We are in a war,’ alleged Iran-backed Iraqi terror commander exclaims in US court - The Times of Israel
HISTORICAL CONTEXT
The ongoing military conflict between the United States and Israel against Iran has escalated significantly since March 2026, when coordinated airstrikes targeted Iranian military infrastructure, including power plants and air defenses.
This military campaign is a direct response to Iran's military actions, which have included retaliatory strikes and support for proxy forces in the region.
Brief
In a Manhattan federal court, Iraqi national Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saadi claimed, 'We are in a war,' while pleading not guilty to eight terrorism-related charges, including conspiracy to provide material support to the Iran-backed militia Kata'ib Hezbollah.
Al-Saadi's remarks came as he faced allegations from US prosecutors that he assisted in planning multiple attacks in Europe and the United States, including a potential assault on a New York synagogue. His lawyer, Andrew Dalack, entered the not guilty plea on his behalf, emphasizing Al-Saadi's assertion of innocence amid the serious charges.
Prosecutors contend that Kata'ib Hezbollah operates under the direction of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, linking Al-Saadi's actions to broader Iranian military strategies in the region.
During the proceedings, Al-Saadi gestured towards the judge and prosecutors, stating, 'Children are being killed by your rockets,' a comment that reflects the ongoing conflict dynamics, although he did not clarify if he was referencing a specific incident.
This case unfolds against the backdrop of heightened tensions between the US and Iran, particularly following the coordinated military strikes launched by the US and Israel against Iran in early March 2026.
The court's proceedings are likely to draw significant attention as they highlight the intersection of domestic legal issues and international conflict, raising questions about the implications for US-Iran relations and the ongoing war in the region.
Sources
2 of 2 linked articles · Filter: Middle East