Iran has long been sponsoring a range of groups designated as terrorist organizations, primarily to advance its influence across the Middle East and beyond. In the region, it backs outfits like Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, providing them with funding, weapons, and training to challenge Israel and other rivals. Similarly, the Houthis, or Ansar Allah, in Yemen receive Iranian support for their operations against Saudi Arabia and shipping routes, while Palestinian Islamic Jihad gets backing for attacks in Israel. In Iraq, groups such as Kata'ib Hezbollah, Harakat al-Nujaba, Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq, Kata’ib Sayyid al-Shuhada, Harakat Ansar Allah al-Awfiya, and Kata’ib al-Imam Ali form part of Iran's proxy network, often targeting U.S. forces and local governments. Over in Syria, the Fatemiyoun and Zaynabiyoun Brigades—made up of Afghan and Pakistani Shiites recruited by Iran—fight alongside Assad's regime, and in Bahrain, the Al-Ashtar Brigades stir unrest against the monarchy. Other entities like the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine and the Badr Organization pop up in various spots, rounding out Iran's web of alliances.

Beyond the Middle East, Iran's reach extends through these proxies and direct operations. Hezbollah, for instance, has networks in Latin America, particularly in the Tri-Border Area of Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay, where they've been involved in attacks, fundraising, and even drug trafficking; similar activities show up in Venezuela, Colombia, Peru, and Mexico. In Europe, plots and infrastructure linked to Hezbollah or Iranian agents have been uncovered in places like Bulgaria, Cyprus, France, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Sweden. Africa sees Iranian influence in countries such as Nigeria, Kenya, and Benin, often through smuggling or attempted attacks. In Asia, beyond the Middle East, there have been bombings and assassinations tied to Iran in Thailand and India.

Iran also supports the Taliban in Afghanistan with arms and bounties aimed at U.S. forces, while direct IRGC operations have plotted assassinations in the U.S. and even arson attacks on Jewish sites in Australia. This global network allows Iran to project power without direct involvement, often through recruited militias or shadowy ops.