The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad issued a statement affirming that ending the presence of Iranian-backed militias is an “urgent need,” stressing that these armed groups hinder Iraq’s sovereignty and pose a threat to the security of both Americans and Iraqis.
The embassy clarified that these militias drain Iraq’s resources and are a major cause of instability in the country.
This statement comes amid what Iraqi officials and diplomats in Baghdad mention about the United States pressing for the removal of armed groups loyal to Iran from the new Iraqi government, seeking their dissolution and disarmament, according to Agence France-Presse.
A U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “Iraqi leaders are well aware of what is consistent and inconsistent with a strong partnership between the United States and Iraq,” stressing that Washington “will continue to speak clearly about the need to dismantle Iranian-backed militias.”
However, these demands face significant political challenges, as some factions have achieved notable victories in the elections and are part of the parliamentary majority of the “Coordination Framework” alliance, which includes various Shiite forces in their relationship with Tehran, which has led the country in recent years.
The Iraqi government has recently affirmed the importance of the state exercising control over all Iraqi territory, that weapons be exclusive to it, and preventing the spread of weapons outside its scope.
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani has also stated more than once that restricting weapons to the state and enforcing the law are fundamental pillars that cannot be compromised.
In contrast, Hezbollah al-Iraqi previously announced its rejection of the idea of disarming itself and other armed factions.
