Iraq Border Security Counterterrorism Grant - $6.8M

Preventing Iranian Proxy and ISIS Activities Along Iraq’s Western Border

Agency: Bureau of Counterterrorism

Assistance Listings: 19.701 -- Global Counterterrorism Programs

Last Updated: April 10, 2026 View version history on Grants.gov

Description

The Department of State’s Bureau of Counterterrorism (CT) announces this funding opportunity to strengthen Iraq’s ability to investigate and respond to terrorist attacks and incursions along the Iraq-Syria border during a critical period of regional transition. This program should deliver concrete returns for American taxpayers by reducing threats to U.S. diplomatic and military facilities, safeguarding American commercial operations, and preventing terrorist attacks that endanger Americans abroad.

The proliferation of Iran-aligned militia groups (IAMGs) and continued presence of ISIS in the... region have created a fragile security environment with elevated risks of border exploitation for weapons, explosives, and human smuggling. Porous borders enable IAMGs and other terrorist organizations to move personnel, material, and illicit goods that directly threaten U.S. personnel, American commercial interests, and regional stability affecting U.S. security.

Recent events illustrate the ongoing threat from IAMGs, who attacked numerous U.S. personnel and facilities in Erbil and Baghdad since February 28. They have historically conducted rocket and drone attacks on U.S. diplomatic facilities, military installations, and commercial facilities. By supporting Iraq’s border security capabilities, this program reduces terrorist operational capacity that threatens U.S. interests.

This program should be designed to reduce Iraq’s long-term dependency on U.S. taxpayer resources by building sustainable Iraqi civilian law enforcement capabilities to independently respond to attacks and dismantle illicit transit networks. Consistent with the 2025 National Security Strategy (NSS)’s principle of “burden-sharing and burden-shifting,” this program should include a train-the-trainer component to enable Iraqi civilian forces to establish an Iraqi-owned training capability, reducing long-term U.S. resource commitments. Show full description

Eligibility

Eligible applicants

Miscellaneous

• Unrestricted

Additional information

Not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations

Public and private educational institutions

For-profit organizations (only if allowed by appropriation)

Public International Organizations (PIOs) and Governmental institutions

Grantor contact information

Description

arbogastc@state.gov

Email

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Documents

No documents are currently available.

Link to additional information

Link to Opportunity in MyGrants

Closing: June 8, 2026

Application process

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Award

$--

Program Funding

1

Expected awards

$6,808,090

Award Minimum

$6,808,090

Award Maximum

Funding opportunity number:

DFOP0018090

Cost sharing or matching requirement:

No Funding instrument type:

Cooperative agreement

Opportunity Category:

Discretionary

Opportunity Category Explanation:

-- Category of Funding Activity:

Law justice and legal services

Category Explanation:

Counterterrorism

History

Version:

1

Posted date:

April 10, 2026

Archive date:

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