Iran-backed Iraqi militia Kata'ib Hezbollah has issued a renewed declaration of defiance, releasing a propaganda video that explicitly rejects disarmament and any form of integration under state authority. The group stated, “Resistance is our right, and our weapons stay in the hands of our fighters,” reaffirming its commitment to armed operations despite mounting pressure from the United States, Israel, and Iraqi political factions.

The 79-second video, released on December 31, blends real footage of drone launches with cinematic, stylized combat scenes designed to project strength and permanence. The messaging is unambiguous: Kata'ib Hezbollah intends to retain its weapons and operational independence regardless of international demands or regional escalation.

Designated as a terrorist organization by the United States, Kata'ib Hezbollah operates as part of Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Forces while maintaining direct ideological and logistical alignment with Iran. The group’s statement mirrors broader rhetoric from Tehran’s so-called “Axis of Resistance,” which frames armed militias as legitimate defenders against what they describe as foreign occupation and influence.

The timing of the release is notable. It comes amid intensified U.S. and Israeli strikes targeting Iran-backed proxy networks across the region, aimed at degrading their military capabilities and deterring further attacks. Rather than signaling restraint, the video underscores the militia’s intent to double down on armed resistance and reject any moves toward demobilization.

Security analysts view the message as both internal and external. Domestically, it reinforces Kata'ib Hezbollah’s autonomy within Iraq’s fragmented security landscape. Internationally, it serves as a warning that pressure campaigns will not compel the group to surrender its arsenal or abandon its role as a regional proxy.

The video also highlights the growing sophistication of militant propaganda, combining real operational footage with dramatized imagery to shape perception and recruitment. As tensions continue to rise across the Middle East, such messaging reflects the entrenched position of Iran-backed militias that see confrontation — not compromise — as their strategic path forward.