DUBAI, UAE - Iraq’s Presidency said on Friday that it had no knowledge of a government decision to classify Lebanon’s Hezbollah and Yemen’s Ansar Allah (Houthis) as terrorist groups and freeze their assets, nor did it approve such a measure.

Iraq’s Committee for Freezing Terrorist Funds on Thursday published a decision through the Official Gazette ordering “the freezing of terrorist assets” of 24 entities, including the Hezbollah and the Houthis, on charges of “participating in committing a terrorist act.” 

However, it quickly revoked the decision, saying the list was published before revision, as many circles across the country expressed shock over their inclusion.

In a statement on Friday, the presidency said such decisions are not sent to its office. It explained that the presidency only receives laws passed by parliament and republican decrees for review, approval, and publication.

Decisions issued by the cabinet, the Committee for Freezing Terrorist Funds, the Anti-Money Laundering Committee, or any other body are not submitted to the presidency, the statement added.

The presidency said it learned of the designation only through social media and clarified that it had no role in reviewing or approving it.

Quickly after the committee retracted the classification, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani ordered an urgent investigation to determine how the mistaken designation was drafted and published.

His office said the document contained language that did not reflect Iraq’s real policy, stressing that the error does not change Baghdad’s political or humanitarian position toward Lebanon and Palestine. Sudani instructed that those responsible be identified and held accountable.