What's happened
Iraq’s prime minister has extended the deadline for militias to disarm to June 2027, delaying Sept. 30’s originally planned milestone. Authorities say a new directorate will oversee the process, while immunities and PMF involvement remain points of contention with Washington. The US continues to pressure Baghdad to consolidate arms under state control.
What's behind the headline?
What’s happening now
- Al-Zaidi extends the deadline to 2027 and shifts the disarmament process into a phased implementation starting January.
- A new directorate within the PMF will monitor weapon inventory under government supervision, with arms remaining in PMF facilities.
Why this matters
- Washington seeks a monopoly on weapons; extending the timeline buys political space for negotiations but risk prolonging influence of militias in state affairs.
- The move signals Iraq’s intention to preserve sovereignty while addressing security concerns and corruption.
How we got here
Iraq’s government has been under pressure to disarm Iran-backed militias. Ali Al-Zaidi, the new prime minister, has sought to balance sovereignty and security by extending timelines and establishing oversight within the Popular Mobilisation Forces. The dispute centers on who controls weapons and how quickly militias can be integrated into state security.
Our analysis
Key voices from The New Arab and Arab News, plus mentions in The New Arab’s coverage of PMF leadership and US pressure.
Go deeper
- Will Baghdad’s extended timeline satisfy Washington or trigger new sanctions?
- How will the PMF react to a renewed oversight directorate?
- What does this mean for Iraq’s domestic security and regional stability?
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