Countering Iran and its Proxies through Enhanced Counterterrorist Financing in Iraq

The U.S. Department of State, through its Bureau of Counterterrorism, is offering a cooperative agreement opportunity aimed at strengthening Iraq’s capacity to combat terrorist financing and illicit financial networks. This initiative is part of broader U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives to counter the influence of Iran and its affiliated proxy groups, as well as other designated foreign terrorist organizations operating within Iraq. The Bureau of Counterterrorism plays a central role in coordinating international efforts to disrupt terrorism financing, enhance partner nation capabilities, and safeguard U.S. personnel and interests abroad. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to enhance Iraq’s anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism framework through targeted technical assistance and specialized training. The program is expected to deliver measurable outcomes by improving the ability of Iraqi institutions to detect, investigate, and disrupt financial networks used by terrorist organizations. These networks are often leveraged to support destabilizing activities, including attacks against U.S. facilities and personnel, making this initiative both strategically and operationally significant. Funding will support activities such as capacity building, institutional training, and technical advisory services focused on financial intelligence, regulatory compliance, and enforcement mechanisms. While specific allowable cost categories are not detailed in the synopsis, cooperative agreements of this type typically involve close collaboration between the funder and recipient, with funds directed toward programmatic implementation rather than unrestricted use. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement associated with this opportunity, which lowers the financial barrier to participation for eligible applicants. Eligibility is listed broadly as “Others,” with further clarification deferred to the full Notice of Funding Opportunity. This suggests that a range of entities may be eligible, potentially including nonprofit organizations, contractors, or international organizations with relevant expertise in counterterrorism finance and capacity building. Applicants are expected to consult the full announcement for definitive eligibility criteria, required qualifications, and any geographic or operational limitations. The application process requires submission through official grant channels, likely via Grants.gov or a linked system such as MyGrants. While the synopsis does not detail specific application components, typical requirements may include a technical proposal, budget justification, organizational capacity statement, and evidence of prior experience in similar programming. There is no indication of a pre-application requirement such as a letter of intent or concept paper. The timeline for this opportunity is relatively short, with the funding notice posted on July 1, 2026, and a closing date of July 17, 2026. This indicates a rapid turnaround for applicants and suggests that organizations with existing capabilities and readiness will be best positioned to apply. No information is provided regarding award notification timing or the anticipated period of performance, and there is no indication that this opportunity recurs on a regular basis. For additional information or assistance accessing full documentation, applicants may contact the Bureau of Counterterrorism via the provided email address.