BlocktoBlockto
Iran’s IRGC Allegedly Builds Covert Iraq Cells for Drone Attacks on Gulf States
NEWS

Photo: Illustrative

Iran’s IRGC Allegedly Builds Covert Iraq Cells for Drone Attacks on Gulf States

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has reportedly created small covert cells in Iraq to carry out drone attacks on Gulf countries, according to multiple Iraqi security and militia sources. These units are said to operate independently from established Iran-backed militias and report directly to the IRGC.

Tristan R.
By Tristan R.

Senior Author · June 19, 2026

2 min
Key takeaways
New Secret Networks Reportedly Bypass Iraqi Militias Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has reportedly created small covert cells in Iraq to carry out drone attacks on Gulf countries , according to multiple Iraqi security and militia sources.
These units are said to operate independently from established Iran-backed militias and report directly to the IRGC.
The groups, each made up of roughly 10 elite fighters, were allegedly formed to reduce detection and maintain deniability while continuing operations against regional targets.

New Secret Networks Reportedly Bypass Iraqi Militias

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has reportedly created small covert cells in Iraq to carry out drone attacks on Gulf countries, according to multiple Iraqi security and militia sources. These units are said to operate independently from established Iran-backed militias and report directly to the IRGC.

The groups, each made up of roughly 10 elite fighters, were allegedly formed to reduce detection and maintain deniability while continuing operations against regional targets.

Drone Attacks Reported Across Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and UAE

According to Iraqi sources, at least seven drone attacks were launched between April 20 and May 17 from southern Iraq near Basra and Samawa. Targets reportedly included Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

Sites mentioned include Kuwait’s Ali Al Salem Air Base, where US forces are deployed, and an airport military facility. Other attempted strikes in Saudi Arabia and the UAE were reportedly intercepted before impact.

Regional Tensions Rise Amid US-Iran Agreement

Officials say the creation of these cells reflects a shift in IRGC strategy following the weakening of its broader proxy network across the region. Iran continues to insist that its support for “resistance groups” is not part of diplomatic negotiations.

The developments come as Iraq faces increased pressure from the US and Gulf states to disarm armed groups operating outside state control, raising concerns over regional stability and Gulf security relations.

How markets are positioning

Live market reaction

🛢️WTI Crude
+3.4%
Gold
+1.8%
Bitcoin
-1.8%
$DXY
+0.6%

Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Cryptocurrency trading involves risk and may result in financial loss.

Exclusive partner offer

Start trading
with BloFin today

Up to $500 sign-up bonus and zero-fee trading on your first 30 days.

Buy crypto now

You will be redirected to BloFin

Share article

About the author

Tristan R.
Tristan R.

8+ years covering crypto markets, macro, and geopolitics. Previously at Decrypt and CoinDesk. Focused on the intersection of digital assets and traditional finance.