September 22, 2026
Iraq PM vows to disarm Iran-backed militias amid US troop withdrawal live
What we know
- Iraq's Prime Minister Mohammed Al-Zaidi has pledged to disarm Iran-backed militias as the final US troops prepare to withdraw.
- The disarmament effort is intended to strengthen state control over armed groups that plan to keep their weapons after the US withdrawal.
- An adviser to the prime minister confirmed there is no set deadline for forming a committee to oversee the disarmament process.
- These developments highlight ongoing security and political challenges Iraq faces during this transitional period.
Live updates
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Iraq PM Pledges to Disarm Iran-Backed Militias Amid US Withdrawal
Iraq’s Prime Minister Mohammed Al-Zaidi has committed to disarming militias backed by Iran as the final US troops prepare to leave the country, according to multiple sources including The New York Times. The move aims to assert state control over armed groups that have signaled their intent to retain weapons despite the US departure.
However, an adviser to the prime minister indicated there is no fixed deadline for establishing a committee to oversee the disarmament process, reflecting ongoing challenges in balancing security and political pressures. The situation underscores the complex security and economic risks Iraq faces during this transitional period.
What we’ll be tracking
Why it matters
Disarming Iran-backed militias is crucial for Iraq to assert state control and prevent armed groups from destabilizing the country after the US troop withdrawal.
The lack of a fixed deadline for disarmament oversight highlights ongoing political challenges in managing militia influence amid shifting power dynamics.
The transitional period poses economic risks for Iraq as security uncertainties could impact recovery and development efforts.