Iraq’s Prime Minister Al-Zaidi Vows to Disarm Iran-backed Militias
Iraq's Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi is pushing to disarm Iran-backed militias, despite resistance from some factions. Al-Zaidi recently met with US envoy Tom Barrack to discuss regional stability and management of weapons held by armed factions. The US government has approved al-Zaidi's cabinet, aiming to support the disarmament process.
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- ✓ Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi argued that appointing Laith al-Khazali as Iraq's deputy prime minister was necessary despite his ties to an Iran-backed militia.
- ✓ Harakat al-Nujaba's military assistant Abdul Qader al-Karbalai stated that the group will not participate in the political process and will not surrender its arsenal.
- ✓ The US government approved the finalization of Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi's cabinet despite the presence of blacklisted terrorist factions.
What changed
An Iran-aligned armed faction, Harakat al-Nujaba, has declared it will neither surrender its arsenal nor join Iraq's political process, directly challenging government initiatives to bring all weapons under state control.
Live updates
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Iraq's PM Al-Zaidi Vows to Disarm Iran-backed Militias
Iraq's Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi is pushing to disarm Iran-backed militias, despite resistance from some factions. Al-Zaidi recently met with US envoy Tom Barrack to discuss regional stability and management of weapons held by armed factions. The US government has approved al-Zaidi's cabinet, aiming to support the disarmament process.
Why it matters
The disarmament of Iran-backed militias is a key challenge for al-Zaidi's government, which took office after the US-led international coalition forces withdrew from Iraqi territory on September 30. The presence of blacklisted terrorist factions in the cabinet had raised concerns, but the US government has chosen to support al-Zaidi's efforts.
What is confirmed
- Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi argued that appointing Laith al-Khazali as Iraq's deputy prime minister was necessary despite his ties to an Iran-backed militia.
- Harakat al-Nujaba's military assistant Abdul Qader al-Karbalai stated that the group will not participate in the political process and will not surrender its arsenal.
- The US government approved the finalization of Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi's cabinet despite the presence of blacklisted terrorist factions.
Still unconfirmed
- Iraq authorities are trying to downplay the idea that a site was struck by a munition, framing it as an accident rather than an attack.
What to watch next
- The reaction of other Iran-backed militias to Harakat al-Nujaba's stance
- The response of the US government to al-Zaidi's disarmament efforts
- The impact of the disarmament process on Iraq's political stability
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (3)
- alhurra.com — Exclusive: Iraqi PM Al-Zaidi Persuaded Washington to Accept ...
- www.rudaw.net — Tehran-backed armed faction rejects disarmament, political ...
- www.jpost.com — Mysterious explosion strikes an Iranian-backed group in Iraq ...
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US Approves Iraqi Cabinet Including Blacklisted Groups to Aid Disarmament
The US government approved the finalization of Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi's cabinet despite the presence of blacklisted terrorist factions. This strategic decision aims to support the disarmament of Iran-backed militias. Prime Minister al-Zaidi recently met with US envoy Tom Barrack to discuss the "hard road toward" regional stability and the management of weapons held by armed factions. This diplomatic shift follows the September 30 withdrawal of US-led international coalition forces from Iraqi territory.
Why it matters
Prime Minister al-Zaidi is attempting to consolidate state control over unauthorized weapons. This effort faces resistance from Iran-backed militias that have previously attacked Kurdish and US bases.
What is confirmed
- The US approved the finalization of the Iraqi cabinet despite the inclusion of blacklisted terrorist groups.
- Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi met with US envoy Tom Barrack on Monday evening.
- US-led international coalition forces withdrew from Iraq on September 30, 2026.
Still unconfirmed
- The appointment of a senior militia member to the cabinet has renewed concerns regarding Iranian influence in Baghdad.
- Discussions between al-Zaidi and Tom Barrack included the issue of weapons held by armed factions.
What to watch next
- Evidence of militia disarmament following the cabinet's finalization
- Official confirmation of the senior militia member's role in the cabinet
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (3)
- www.arabnews.com — Arab News | US greenlights Iraqi cabinet with blacklisted ...
- www.voanews.com — Iraq's cabinet completion raises Iranian influence concerns ...
- english.aawsat.com — Barrack, al-Zaidi Discuss Iraq’s Difficult Path to Stability
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Iraq PM Vows to Disarm Iran-backed Militias
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi is trying to bring unauthorized weapons under state control after the US-led coalition mission ended on September 30, 2026. Iran-backed militias have rejected complete disarmament and launched attacks on US and Kurdish bases. Saudi Arabia condemned UAV attacks on its oil facilities launched from Iraq.
Why it matters
The disarmament effort is a test of state authority following the US military mission's conclusion. Iran-backed militias' actions have escalated tensions in the region, drawing in neighboring countries. The militias' rejection of disarmament complicates Prime Minister al-Zaidi's goals.
What is confirmed
- Iraq's parliament voted to appoint ministers to previously vacant Cabinet posts.
- Laith al-Khazali, under US sanctions, was appointed deputy prime minister.
- Laith al-Khazali is the brother of Qais al-Khazali, leader of the Iran-backed Asaib Ahl al-Haq armed faction.
- Laith al-Khazali was arrested by US forces in 2007 over allegations related to an attack targeting American forces in Karbala.
Still unconfirmed
- Iran has signaled an openness to talks in the past, but they did not come to fruition.
What to watch next
- Iran's response to Iraq's disarmament efforts
- US reaction to Laith al-Khazali's appointment
- Iraq's handling of UAV attacks on Saudi Arabia
confidence 85%Sources used for this update (3)
- www.yahoo.com — Yahoo
- www.cbsnews.com — Iran says Strait of Hormuz will reopen if U.S. leaves region
- english.aawsat.com — Iraq Parliament Fills Cabinet Posts, Naming a US-Sanctioned Deputy Prime Minister
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Iraq Faces Disarmament Test After U.S. Coalition Withdrawal
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi faces a decisive test of state authority as the government attempts to bring unauthorized weapons under state control following the conclusion of the United States-led coalition military mission in federal Iraq on September 30, 2026. Iran-backed militias have rejected complete disarmament while retaliating with rockets and drones against United States and Kurdish bases amid a 2026 Iran war. And Saudi Arabia strongly condemned continued unmanned aerial vehicle attacks targeting oil facilities in its Eastern Region launched by these armed groups operating from Iraqi territory.
Why it matters
The departure of foreign military forces has triggered celebrations among armed factions, including an incident where Popular Mobilization Forces members drove over an American flag in Baghdad, prompting arrests ordered by Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi. Regional pressure is mounting on Baghdad to stop its territory from serving as a launchpad for cross-border aggression against neighboring states. Meanwhile, domestic armed groups view the departure as an incomplete victory while state authorities push for state control over all weapons.
What is confirmed
- The United States-led coalition military mission in federal Iraq ended on September 30, 2026.
- Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi ordered the arrest of perpetrators who drove over an American flag.
- Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned unmanned aerial vehicle attacks targeting oil facilities in the Kingdom's Eastern Region by Iran-backed militias in Iraq.
- The United States and Israel conducted airstrikes targeting several Iranian-backed Iraqi Shia militias following the outbreak of the 2026 Iran war.
Still unconfirmed
- Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani announced a plan for disarmament as the coalition leaves by September 2026.
What to watch next
- Government actions regarding the June 30, 2027 deadline to bring all unauthorized weapons under state control
- Further cross-border drone or rocket attacks launched from Iraqi territory toward Saudi Arabia or coalition bases
- Developments concerning the arrest of individuals involved in the American flag trampling incident
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (7)
- www.spa.gov.sa — Foreign Ministry Condemns Continued UAV Attacks by Iran ...
- www.usmilitaryarchive.com — 2026 United States-led conflict with pro-Iranian Iraqi militias
- saudipress.com — Iraq to Disarm Factions upon US Coalition Withdrawal, says ...
- www.jpost.com — Iraq clamps down on pro-Iran militias who drove over US flag ...
- www.middleeastmonitor.com — Iraq cannot restore its sovereignty by disarming militias ...
- www.longwarjournal.org — Iraq Archives - FDD's Long War Journal
- www.spa.gov.sa — Saudi Arabia Strongly Condemns UAV Attacks on the Kingdom by ...
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Iraqi PM Probes Flag Incident as Militias Defy Disarmament
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi ordered an investigation following an incident where Popular Mobilization Forces members drove over an American flag in Baghdad. The flag trampling occurred during celebrations for the complete withdrawal of United States military forces from Iraq. While Baghdad projects a celebratory sense of sovereignty following the departure of American troops, Iran-backed militias remain determined to retain power. These armed groups celebrated the U.S. exit as an incomplete victory, complicating the government push to bring all unauthorized weapons under state control by June 30, 2027.
Why it matters
The departure of United States military forces removes a direct counterweight to armed factions that receive backing from Iran. Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi faces the difficult task of asserting state control over a security environment dominated by these defiant non-state groups. The June 30, 2027, deadline for disarmament tests whether Baghdad can enforce its authority or remain beholden to powerful militias.
What is confirmed
- Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi established a June 30, 2027, deadline to bring unauthorized weapons and non-Iraqi armed groups under state control.
- United States military forces have completed their withdrawal from Iraq.
- Popular Mobilization Forces members were photographed and filmed driving over an American flag in Baghdad.
- Iran-backed militias in Iraq remain determined to retain power and celebrated the U.S. departure.
Still unconfirmed
- Several factions have reportedly agreed to disarm despite ongoing resistance from other groups.
What to watch next
- Results of the Prime Minister investigation into the flag-trampling incident
- Enforcement actions related to the June 30, 2027, disarmament deadline
- Responses from Iran-backed militias regarding state control over unauthorized weapons
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (4)
- www.jpost.com — Iran-backed militias in Iraq determined to retain power
- www.europesays.com — Iran-backed militias in Iraq determined to retain power ...
- www.jpost.com — Iran-backed militias trample US flag, exposing Iraq’s ...
- www.thenationalnews.com — Iraq’s PM orders probe after US flag trampled by Iran-backed ...
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Iraq PM Zaidi Sets June 2027 Deadline to Disarm Militias
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi established a June 30, 2027, deadline to bring unauthorized weapons and non-Iraqi armed groups under state control. The security push follows the departure of United States military forces from the country. While several factions reportedly agreed to disarm, others continue to resist the government directive. The disarmament dispute coincides with ongoing controversy over Iran-backed militias, including an incident where Popular Mobilization Forces members were photographed driving over an American flag.
Why it matters
The withdrawal of United States forces leaves Baghdad facing a test of state authority over powerful armed factions. Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi previously targeted a June 30 deadline following the completion of the coalition mission. Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein previously expressed confidence that officials possess the target, means, and timetable to remove unauthorized weapons.
What is confirmed
- Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi set June 30, 2027, as the deadline for bringing weapons outside state control under government authority.
- Iraq is dealing with controversy over Iran-backed militias following the departure of US forces.
Still unconfirmed
- Several factions have reportedly agreed to disarm while others continue to resist.
- Popular Mobilization Forces members were photographed driving over an American flag.
What to watch next
- Compliance or resistance from specific Iran-backed militias ahead of the June 30, 2027 deadline
- Government enforcement actions regarding non-Iraqi armed groups
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (3)
- www.longwarjournal.org — US flag trampling, militia disarmament dispute mark Iraq’s ...
- theinsightinternational.com — Zaidi sets June 2027 deadline as Iran-backed factions deny ...
- en.964media.com — Zaidi pledges to disarm non-Iraqi armed groups as coalition ...
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Iraq Sets June Deadline to Disarm Pro-Iran Factions
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi established a June 30 deadline for pro-Iran factions to disarm after the completion of the US-led coalition mission. Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein expressed confidence in the administration's ability to achieve this goal, stating that officials possess the target, means, and timetable to remove unauthorized weapons from militias. This security push follows the recovery of a convicted fugitive from Lebanon and the total withdrawal of United States military forces from the country.
Why it matters
The disarmament push marks a domestic effort by the Iraqi government to consolidate state authority over foreign military installations and armed groups. These security measures unfold amid broader regional tensions involving Iran and the United States. Concurrently, Yemen's legitimate government forces have engaged in strikes against Iran-aligned Houthis.
What is confirmed
- Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi announced a June 30 deadline for pro-Iran factions to disarm following the conclusion of the US-led coalition mission.
- Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein stated that Iraq has the target, means, and timetable to disarm Iran-backed militias by June 2027.
Still unconfirmed
- Yemen's armed forces stated they were conducting strikes against vital targets held by Iran-aligned Houthis in Sanaa and Saada.
What to watch next
- Compliance of Iran-backed militias with the June 30 disarmament deadline
- Government enforcement actions regarding foreign military installations in Iraq
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (3)
- english.aawsat.com — Yemen’s Armed Forces Say It Is Conducting Strikes Against Houthis in Sanaa
- www.thenationalnews.com — Iraq confident it can disarm Iran-backed militias by June ...
- www.arabnews.com — Iraqi PM sets June 30 deadline for pro-Iran factions to disarm
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Iraq Extradites Fugitive Convicted of Embezzlement From Lebanon
Iraqi authorities have secured the return of Alia Hassouni, a fugitive convicted of stealing three million dollars from a health authority. Hassouni was ordered to repay the embezzled funds following her recovery from Lebanon. This extradition coincides with broader domestic efforts by Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi to consolidate state authority, which include a newly announced deadline to disarm Iran-backed militias and take control of foreign military installations. The government continues to manage the security landscape following the complete departure of United States military forces from the country.
Why it matters
The return of convicted financial fugitives highlights ongoing state efforts to project legal and administrative control inside Iraq. This law enforcement action unfolds alongside high-stakes security restructuring led by Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi. Officials face the challenge of establishing domestic order amid the complete departure of the United States military mission against the Islamic State group.
What is confirmed
- Alia Hassouni was ordered to repay money stolen from a health authority.
- Iraqi authorities recovered Alia Hassouni, a fugitive convicted of three million dollars in embezzlement, from Lebanon.
What to watch next
- Further updates regarding the recovery of embezzled funds from Alia Hassouni
- Implementation of the June 30, 2027 deadline to disarm Iran-backed militias
- Progress on the gradual handover of the Bashiqa-Zilkan military base from Turkey to state control
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (2)
- aaronparnas.substack.com — Major Exclusive: Trump DOJ Buries Secret Epstein Interview, Trump Hit With Large Court Losses, Scrambles ....
- www.thenationalnews.com — Iraq recovers fugitive convicted of $3m embezzlement from Lebanon | The National
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Iraq Sets June 2027 Militia Disarm Deadline
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi set a June 30, 2027 deadline to disarm Iran-backed militias and bring weapons under state control. The announcement follows the official completion of the US military withdrawal from Iraq after a 12-year mission against the Islamic State group. While the Iraqi government hails the coalition departure as an important milestone, the US exit raises concerns that Iran will seek to fill the resulting security vacuum. Simultaneously, Iraq agreed to a deal for Turkey to gradually hand over its Bashiqa-Zilkan military base to state control.
Why it matters
The disarmament push represents a high-stakes domestic and security test for Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi as foreign forces depart. Coalition troops originally deployed to Iraq and Syria in 2014 to fight ISIS, which was defeated in Iraq in 2017. The final departure of US and UK troops fulfills a key demand of the Iraqi government under a deal agreed two years ago.
What is confirmed
- Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi set a June 30, 2027 deadline to disarm Iran-backed militias.
- The US military completed the withdrawal of its troops from Iraq, ending a 12-year mission.
- Iraq agreed to an arrangement for Turkey to gradually hand over its Bashiqa-Zilkan military base to Iraq.
Still unconfirmed
- Iran-backed factions denied the existence of an agreement regarding the disarmament timeline.
What to watch next
- Implementation of the phased weapons inventory and state control measures leading up to June 2027
- Responses from Iran-backed militias and political groups to the state disarmament order
- Further developments regarding the handover of the Turkish Bashiqa-Zilkan military base to Iraq
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (14)
- www.thenationalnews.com — Iraq prepares for new chapter after US troop withdrawal as security concerns remain | The National
- www.longwarjournal.org — Iraq agrees to Turkish base deal as militia disarmament ...
- www.fdd.org — Iraq agrees to Turkish base deal as militia disarmament ...
- www.alestiklal.net — Al-Zaidi's Pledge to Trump: A Defining Test for the Future of ...
- www.gulf-insider.com — Iraqi PM Sets New June 2027 Deadline To Disarm Resistance ...
- www.timesnownews.com — US Military To Exit Iraq By September 30 As Baghdad Prepares ...
- english.aawsat.com — US-led Coalition Ends Mission in Iraq
- www.bbc.co.uk — Last UK and US troops leave Iraq as anti-Islamic State mission ends - BBC News
- thefinancialexpress.com.bd — The FE - Pakistan vows to defend Saudi Arabia against Iran-backed Houthis by ‘whatever means’
- thefinancialexpress.com.bd — The FE - US military says its withdrawal of troops from Iraq is complete
- www.rudaw.net — Iran-backed factions deny agreement as Zaidi sets June 2027 ...
- www.thenationalnews.com — Iraq hails 'important milestone' and militias claim victory ...
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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
confidence 80%Sources used for this update (14)
- AP News — As the last US troops pack up in Iraq, militias signal their weapons will stay
- The New York Times — Iraq’s Prime Minister Al-Zaidi Vows to Disarm Iran-backed Militias
- Asharq Al-Awsat English — US Withdrawal Fears Grip Baghdad
- thenationalnews.com — No fixed deadline for militia disarmament committee, says Iraqi PM adviser
- Tehran Times — The security and economic gamble facing Iraq
- jpost.com — Israel monitoring efforts to disarm Iraqi pro-Iranian Shi'ite militias, concerned they may attack
- Euronews.com — Iraq to collect 6 million weapons despite Iran-backed militia pushback
- 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
- Global Arab Network — Iraq Launches Major Initiative to Consolidate Firearms Control
- warontherocks.com — What the End of Operation Inherent Resolve Means for Iraq and Syria
- The Jerusalem Post — Iraq moves to put off militia disarmament until June 2027 while US moves out
- ua.news — Pro-Iranian Iraqi groups refuse to disarm — Jerusalem Post
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