❗️Iraq PM sets June 2027 deadline to disarm armed militias

Iraq’s Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi has pledged to disarm the country’s militias by June 2027, outlining the phased plan for the first time in an interview with The New York Times in Baghdad on Saturday.

“This is not something that is optional. It is a necessity,” Zaidi said of the disarmament plan during his interview. “Others who spoke of this then backtracked,” he said. “They yielded to pressure or to other concerns. For me, this issue, along with that of corruption, is a matter of honor.”

Zaidi said the process would begin with a 90-day period during which the militias would refrain from launching attacks and receive assurances that they would not be targeted by US forces. The groups would then begin surrendering their weapons, with the disarmament process scheduled to conclude by 30 June, 2027. The militias, however, are seeking an extension until the end of 2027.

Zaidi also discussed Iraq’s economic difficulties, saying the country has lost around $60 billion in revenues since the war began.

While Iraq regards itself as a regional partner of Iran, Zaidi said Tehran has prevented Iraqi tankers from passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

“We spoke at length. The decision emerging from Iran is firm,” he added. “Their goal is to drive up global oil prices. This is not about being close to them or not. Regardless, they want to create pressure.”