Iraqi Government Demands Disarmament of Pro-Iranian Groups by September 30
The Iraqi government has set a deadline for pro-Iranian armed groups to disarm by September 30, ahead of the new prime minister's visit to the US and following Washington's pressure.
The Iraqi government announced on Wednesday that it has given pro-Iranian armed groups in the country until September 30 to lay down their arms. The decision comes ahead of a planned visit by new Prime Minister Ali al Zaidi to the United States.
Washington has pressured Baghdad to ensure the disarmament of these groups. Several of them, backed by Iran, have previously attacked US targets in Iraq during the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
The move signals Iraq's efforts to assert sovereignty and reduce foreign influence while responding to international pressure. The exact number of groups and the scale of their weapons have not been disclosed.
