Iraq’s moment of reckoning: US exits as Iranian-backed militias dig in their heels

Iraq’s government has set an ambitious deadline to consolidate all weapons under state control and dismantle independent armed groups, including those taking orders from Tehran. Baghdad has given Iranian-backed militias until 30 September to hand over their weapons or face consequences. The move represents a critical test of Baghdad’s authority and sovereignty as American forces prepare to withdraw from the country.However, several powerful militia factions are openly defying the ultimatum. Groups including Kataib Hezbollah, which operates under Iranian direction, have refused to comply, declaring they will not surrender “even a single bullet”. Their resistance highlights the deep challenge facing Iraq’s government in asserting control over armed organisations that have grown increasingly powerful since the fight against ISIS ended.The standoff puts Iraq at a crossroads. If Baghdad backs down, it risks remaining a proxy battleground between regional powers. If it enforces the deadline, it could trigger armed conflict with militias that, while ostensibly Iraqi, answer to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard. The stakes are particularly high with American military advisors preparing their exit, removing what had been a stabilising force in the fragile Iraqi political balance.

Source: Ynet — Original article in Hebrew.