Iraqi PM vows to completely disarm pro-Iranian groups in 2027

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi has promised to disarm pro-Iranian groups in the country by June 2027. He is quoted by The New York Times (NYT).

“It is not an optional thing. This is a necessity, al-Zaidi said in his first interview with foreign media at his official residence. “Others who talked about it then backed down. They succumbed to pressure or other concerns. For me, this issue, along with the fight against corruption, is a matter of honor.”.

The disarmament plan envisages a 90-day ceasefire period, after which the militias will begin to surrender their weapons. The Iraqi authorities expect to completely eliminate independent militias, integrating their members into the state association “Popular Mobilization Forces”. After the expiration of the term, any non-aligned groups will be outlawed.