Government links disarmament drive to post-ISIS transition
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi has reportedly ordered all pro-Iran armed factions to fully disarm by September 30, warning that groups failing to comply will face legal action as Baghdad seeks to reassert state authority over security matters.
According to reports, the deadline coincides with the scheduled conclusion of the US-led coalition’s anti-ISIS mission, marking a significant transition in Iraq’s security landscape. Officials view the move as part of broader efforts to consolidate military authority under state institutions and reduce the influence of non-state armed groups.
The reported directive comes ahead of Prime Minister al-Zaidi’s planned visit to Washington, where security cooperation is expected to feature prominently on the agenda. Reports indicate that the Iraqi government has faced increasing pressure from the United States to accelerate security reforms and strengthen state control over armed formations.
Some factions reportedly begin transition
Sources cited in the reports claim that several militia factions have already started transferring responsibilities or preparing to comply with the government’s directives. However, officials have not publicly confirmed the extent of the process or identified which groups have begun implementing the reported measures.
If fully enforced, the plan would represent one of the most significant attempts by Baghdad in recent years to integrate or dismantle powerful armed organisations that expanded their influence following the 2003 Iraq war and later played major roles during the campaign against the Islamic State group.
Security policy enters new phase
Successive Iraqi governments have struggled to balance relations with Iran-backed factions while strengthening national institutions. The latest initiative signals an effort to place all armed activity firmly under state authority as Iraq seeks greater political stability and improved security governance.
Analysts say the coming months will be critical in determining whether the government can successfully implement the reported disarmament plan without triggering political or security tensions. The outcome may also shape Iraq’s future relations with regional partners and the United States as the country enters the post-coalition phase of its security strategy.
🇮🇶🇮🇷 Iraq PM Ali al-Zaidi set a deadline: all pro-Iran militias must fully disarm by September 30 or face the law.
This lines up perfectly with the U.S.-led coalition wrapping up its anti-ISIS mission.
PM Ali al-Zaidi is under heavy U.S. pressure ahead of his Washington trip,… pic.twitter.com/cfW8uGEN0u
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) July 1, 2026
