Iraq’s Prime Minister Al-Zaidi Vows to Disarm Iran-backed Militias

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   Prime Minister Al-Zaidi Vows to Disarm Iran-backed Militias in Iraq

   Prime Minister Al-Zaidi has pledged to disarm Iran-backed militias as part of a broader initiative to consolidate firearms control and collect 6 million weapons. Despite this vow, pro-Iranian groups are resisting the push, with some labeling the current situation as an American occupation. While a disarmament committee has been established, an adviser to the Prime Minister stated there is no fixed deadline for its work, although other reports suggest a weapons inventory may continue through June 2027. This effort coincides with the departure of the final US troops from Iraq.

   Why it matters

   The disarmament push occurs during a sensitive transition as the US military withdraws from the country. The presence of heavily armed, Iran-aligned militias challenges the central government's authority and security. Israel is actively monitoring these developments due to concerns that these groups might launch attacks.

   What is confirmed

   • Prime Minister Al-Zaidi vowed to disarm Iran-backed militias.
   • The Iraqi government is working to collect 6 million weapons.
   • Iran-backed militias are resisting the disarmament efforts.
   • The last US troops are leaving Iraq.

   Still unconfirmed

   • An adviser to the Prime Minister says there is no fixed deadline for the disarmament committee.

   What to watch next

   • Confirmation of a final deadline for the disarmament committee
   • Reports on the volume of weapons successfully collected by the state
   • Official statements from Iran-backed factions regarding the June 2027 timeline
   Sources used for this update (14)

   1. AP News — As the last US troops pack up in Iraq, militias signal their weapons will stay
   2. The New York Times — Iraq’s Prime Minister Al-Zaidi Vows to Disarm Iran-backed Militias
   3. Asharq Al-Awsat English — US Withdrawal Fears Grip Baghdad
   4. thenationalnews.com — No fixed deadline for militia disarmament committee, says Iraqi PM adviser
   5. Tehran Times — The security and economic gamble facing Iraq
   6. jpost.com — Israel monitoring efforts to disarm Iraqi pro-Iranian Shi'ite militias, concerned they may attack
   7. Euronews.com — Iraq to collect 6 million weapons despite Iran-backed militia pushback
   8. newsquawk.com — Factions pledged to cease any military activity that violates the Iraqi state; The committee tasked with inventorying weapons in Iraq has reached understandings stipulating that the inventory will end in June 2027, reports Al Arabiya citing sources
   9. Global Arab Network — Iraq Launches Major Initiative to Consolidate Firearms Control
   10. warontherocks.com — What the End of Operation Inherent Resolve Means for Iraq and Syria
   11. The Jerusalem Post — Iraq moves to put off militia disarmament until June 2027 while US moves out
   12. ua.news — Pro-Iranian Iraqi groups refuse to disarm — Jerusalem Post
   confidence 80%