Iran-backed militias in Iraq show readiness to disarm amid U.S. pressure
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – Ten senior Iraqi officials said on Monday that several Iranian-backed militias in Iraq are prepared to disarm in a bid to avoid a potential escalation with the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump.
Citing six local leaders from four major armed militias, Reuters reported that the decision is aimed at easing tensions following informal warnings from U.S. officials to the Iraqi government since Trump took office in January.
The sources revealed that U.S. officials have warned Baghdad that failure to rein in these militias could prompt military action, including possible airstrikes against their positions.
Military leaders of the militias said their primary backer, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), has granted them its blessing to take whatever steps necessary to avoid being drawn into a broader conflict with the U.S. or Israel.
According to Iraqi security officials, the militias belong to the so-called “Islamic Resistance in Iraq”, a network of roughly ten hardline Shiite militias that collectively command around 50,000 militants. These militias are believed to possess long-range missiles and anti-aircraft systems.
A U.S. official, speaking to Reuters on condition of anonymity, expressed skepticism over the durability of any disarmament pledge. He noted that there have been previous instances where such groups paused their attacks under U.S. pressure, and was skeptical any disarmament would be long-term.