Iraqi authorities have formally removed Lebanon’s Hezbollah and Yemen’s Houthi group from a list of entities subject to terrorist asset freezes, according to an official document disclosed Tuesday.
The decision, made Sunday by the Iraqi Committee for Freezing Terrorist Assets, reversed the groups’ earlier designation. The committee said in its resolution that Hezbollah and the Houthis were “not covered by the provisions of the decision,” clarifying that the list applies only to individuals and entities affiliated with the Islamic State and al‑Qaida.
The removal followed political controversy after the committee published a list in the official Gazette on Nov. 17 that mistakenly included the two groups. On Thursday, the committee acknowledged the error and said it would be corrected immediately.
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al‑Sudani also issued a clarification, ordering an urgent investigation to identify those responsible. He said the published decision contained “language that did not reflect the factual position,” and stressed Iraq’s political and humanitarian stance toward Lebanon and Palestine remained principled and unwavering.
On Friday, the Iraqi presidency denied any knowledge of or approval for the initial designation.