Key facts
- Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi faces resistance in disarming Iran-backed Shi'ite militias by a September 30 deadline.
- The militias are supporting Iran in its conflict with the U.S. and have rejected the disarmament deadline.
- Key conditions set by militias for dialogue include guarantees against future U.S. military presence and influence.
- The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group, commands approximately 50,000 fighters and possesses advanced weaponry.
- Militias have been involved in drone and missile attacks against U.S. interests in Iraq, Syria, and Israel.
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi is facing significant challenges in his effort to disarm powerful Iran-backed Shi'ite militias by a September 30 deadline, a goal complicated by the groups' ongoing support for Tehran in its conflict with the United States.
Zaidi, who took office in May, has pledged to bring these militias, which report to Iran's Revolutionary Guards, under state control. However, these groups have resisted disarmament, with some indicating in 2025 that they would disarm to avert conflict with the U.S. Trump administration, a pledge that never materialized. The militias' current stance is that they cannot surrender weapons while supporting Iran against the U.S.
Recent actions by Iraqi special forces have underscored the difficulties. On August 17, the intelligence chief of Harakat al-Nujaba, an Iran-aligned faction designated a terrorist organization by the U.S., was arrested for alleged involvement in drone attacks against U.S. interests. This 48-hour detention triggered threats of retaliation and required intervention from senior Shi'ite politicians to de-escalate tensions. A week later, four militia members were arrested for facilitating attacks on U.S. interests.
Senior Shi'ite politicians have warned that forceful measures against the militias could lead to instability and make disarmament impossible. Five Iran-aligned armed groups have categorically rejected the September 30 deadline to surrender their weapons, dissolve their organizations, and integrate into state security forces. Kataib Hezbollah, one of the most powerful militias, has criticized Zaidi and set conditions for dialogue, including guarantees that American forces will never return and that Iraq will be free of U.S. political or economic influence.
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group comprising about 10 hardline Shi'ite factions, collectively commands an estimated 50,000 fighters. Their arsenals include long-range missiles and anti-aircraft weapons. This group, a key component of Iran's regional proxy network, has claimed responsibility for numerous missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria. These militias have also developed sophisticated drone attack capabilities and possess business interests in sectors such as construction, real estate, and currency exchange.