Key facts
- President Trump is working to improve U.S. relations with Iraq.
- Iraq's Prime Minister al-Zaidi has committed to disarming Iran-backed militias by September 30.
- Despite promises, some militias have escalated attacks on U.S. and public sites in Baghdad.
- Rep. Tim Burchett stated he did not receive satisfactory answers from al-Zaidi during a recent meeting.
- Burchett acknowledged the significant challenge Iraq faces in meeting the disarmament deadline.
President Trump is actively working to strengthen ties with Iraq, but some Republican lawmakers are expressing reservations about the country's new leadership. Prime Minister al-Zaidi has pledged to disarm Iran-backed and non-state armed groups by a September 30 deadline, and some leaders of these groups have agreed to disarm. However, the situation on the ground remains complex, with many other militias escalating attacks on U.S. diplomatic and military sites, as well as public infrastructure in Baghdad, since the start of the Iran war.