Investigation ordered after Iraq appears to designate Hezbollah and Houthis terrorists

The Iraqi government sparked confusion after its justice ministry appeared to designate Lebanon's Hezbollah and Yemen's Houthi movement as terrorist organizations. This move was surprising given that both groups are allies of powerful, Iran-linked factions within Iraq's own government. Following an outcry from pro-Iran groups, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani's office stated the designation was an error and announced an investigation into the matter. The incident has raised questions as to whether it was a genuine mistake or a political backtrack under pressure from domestic allies.