by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Chief
(Worthy News) – Iran’s growing financial crisis has forced an extraordinary reversal in its regional terror network, with Iranian-backed militias reportedly withholding salaries from their own fighters to send money back to Tehran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), according to the top U.S. military commander in the Middle East.
Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), said Friday that months of American military and economic pressure have severely weakened the Iranian regime’s financial resources.
Cooper cited intelligence reports indicating that Iran-aligned militias are diverting funds to the IRGC, reversing the longstanding arrangement in which Tehran financed terrorist organizations and armed groups throughout the Middle East.
The financial strain follows an aggressive American campaign targeting Iran’s economic lifelines. Cooper said the U.S. naval blockade has prevented approximately $25 billion in Iranian oil exports, while American authorities have helped freeze another $350 million in cryptocurrency linked to the Islamic Republic.
The developments suggest that Iran’s financial troubles are spreading throughout its regional network, which includes Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas in Gaza, and Shiite militias operating in Iraq.
Cooper also declared that the strategic Strait of Hormuz remains under American and allied control, despite Iranian attempts to disrupt international shipping.
The reversal represents a potentially significant blow to Tehran’s regional influence. For decades, Iran has relied on financing militant organizations to project power beyond its borders. Now, according to American military officials, some of those same organizations are being forced to help sustain the regime that once bankrolled them.
Whether the mounting financial pressure will weaken Iran’s regional military capabilities or drive the regime toward further escalation remains uncertain.
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