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Iraq’s Prime Minister Al-Zaidi Vows to Disarm Iran-backed Militias
The New York Times • • world
Key Points:
- Iraq’s Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi has committed to disarming Iran-backed militias by June 2027, aiming to bring these powerful groups under state control through a phased plan.
- The disarmament initiative is a critical part of Iraq’s effort to balance relations between its key allies, the United States and Iran, amid ongoing tensions between the two countries.
- The Trump administration has pressured Iraq to reduce the influence of these militias, which have grown in military strength and political power, while Iran seeks to expand its influence through them.
- Previous Iraqi leaders struggled to disarm these entrenched factions, which have integrated deeply into Iraq’s political and economic systems, making the task complex and challenging.
- Despite being a political newcomer, al-Zaidi emphasizes that disarmament and tackling corruption are essential and non-negotiable priorities for his administration.
