US and Iraq Discuss Disarming Militias

President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet with Iraq’s newly appointed prime minister to address regional security priorities, with a central focus on the disarmament of Iran-aligned militias operating within Iraqi territory. The discussions align with longstanding U.S. policy urging Baghdad to consolidate state authority over armed groups that have maintained financial, logistical, and ideological ties to Tehran. Iraqi officials have framed the initiative as part of a broader effort to strengthen national security institutions and reduce foreign interference in domestic affairs.

Several Iran-backed factions have recently pledged to surrender their weapons, though security experts note that full implementation faces substantial political and operational challenges. Many of these groups remain embedded in Iraq’s formal security framework or continue to receive external support, complicating verification and enforcement efforts. The success of any disarmament initiative will likely depend on coordinated diplomatic engagement, transparent monitoring mechanisms, and the willingness of militia leadership to transition toward civilian or state-integrated roles