Iraq’s PM seeks to disarm Iran-backed militias, but Tehran wants to meddle – analysis

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi is moving to disarm Iran-backed militias and place their weapons under state control, a key test early in his premiership. This initiative aligns with US objectives and aims to bolster Iraq's air defense capabilities ahead of the full withdrawal of international coalition forces by September 30. However, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Quds Force head, Esmail Ghaani, visited Baghdad to rally support for the militias and potentially delay or weaken the disarmament efforts. The US-sanctioned Nujaba Movement has stated, "we will not hand over our weapons." Zaidi has affirmed, "we will not allow Iraqi territory or airspace to be a launchpad for any aggression against neighboring countries," following recent militia attacks on Saudi Arabia. The Kurdistan region, frequently targeted by these groups, supports Baghdad's move.