An Iran-backed Iraqi armed group, specifically Kataib Hezbollah, has issued a stark warning concerning the escalating tensions between the US and Iran. The group announced that its fighters are to prepare for a potential 'long war of attrition' should the US engage in military strikes against Tehran. This statement follows a period of heightened military presence of the US in the Middle East, including the deployment of additional warships and aircraft. At the same time, diplomatic efforts, specifically the indirect nuclear talks in Geneva, have not resulted in any agreements, increasing fears of imminent conflict.

The commentary from Kataib Hezbollah highlights the group's perception of US actions as provocations, with their operations command declaring that the US is the 'embodiment of evil.' The militants emphasize that a US-led military conflict would lead to significant losses for Washington, suggesting that they believe the US is underestimating the complexities and potential casualties of any military engagement in the region. The group's narrative is indicative of the broader anti-American sentiment that has been a defining characteristic of Iranian-aligned entities.

This situation poses serious implications for regional stability, as a new conflict could exacerbate an already volatile Middle East landscape. The warnings from the Iraqi militants are a sign of the potential for a protracted conflict that could draw in various regional and international powers, complicating efforts for a diplomatic resolution to the ongoing tensions between the US and Iran. As such, both military preparedness by these groups and US military strategies will play critical roles in determining the future trajectory of these hostilities.