Iraq Sets Deadline for Iranian-Backed Militias to Disarm as US Prepares to Withdraw
The Iraqi government has set a September 30 deadline for Iranian-backed militias to hand over their weapons to the state, coinciding with the planned withdrawal of the US-led international coalition fighting ISIS. Government spokesperson Haider al-Aboudi announced last week that all armed groups were informed of this timeline, after which any unauthorized weapons will be dealt with under Iraqi law. Newly appointed Prime Minister Ali al-Zaydi emphasized the enforcement of the state's monopoly on arms, especially as coalition forces prepare to leave by the end of September.
While some militias such as Asaib Ahl al-Haq and the Imam Ali Brigades have agreed to transfer control of their armed units to the Iraqi government and sever ties with the umbrella group Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF or al-Hashd al-Shaabi), others including the Hezbollah Brigades in Iraq, the Sayyid al-Shuhada Brigades, and the Nujaba militia refuse to disarm. These groups cite ideological reasons and demand guarantees on foreign troop withdrawals and Iraqi sovereignty before considering disarmament.
The US has exerted pressure on Baghdad to dismantle pro-Iranian militias, including freezing $500 million in cash transfers and suspending some security cooperation. The US aims to separate militias from the PMF framework and limit their influence on Iraqi decision-making. Iraqi parliament speaker Haitham al-Halbousi praised the militias’ decisions to comply, calling for strong constitutional institutions to control military and security decisions.
Iran remains deeply involved, with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi visiting Baghdad in late June amid preparations for the funeral of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, underscoring Tehran’s concerns about US influence over Iraq’s new government. Analysts note that while Iran welcomes the US withdrawal, it fears losing its foothold in Iraq’s security apparatus if militias disarm under government control. Tehran continues to maintain influence through loyal militias and covert channels.
The Iraqi government also urges Iran to use official diplomatic channels for visits by senior Iranian officials, following secret visits by the Quds Force commander Esmail Qaani and Araghchi. Prime Minister al-Zaydi has vowed to fight corruption and prevent Iraq from becoming a launchpad for attacks on neighboring countries, signaling a broader effort to assert state sovereignty and reduce militia autonomy.
Summary: Iraq has set a September 30 deadline for Iranian-backed militias to disarm as the US-led coalition prepares to withdraw. Some militias comply, but key groups refuse without guarantees on sovereignty. The US pressures Baghdad to limit militia influence, while Iran remains deeply involved. Iraq’s new government seeks to strengthen state control over arms and security amid regional tensions.
