BAGHDAD — Iraq’s new prime minister, Ali al-Zaidi, has initiated steps to bring Iran-linked militias under greater state control, meeting with leaders of major armed groups and securing commitments from some to disengage from the Popular Mobilization Forces and place their weapons under government authority.
Zaidi, who was sworn in on May 14 after a protracted government formation process, met on June 3 with delegations from Asaib Ahl al-Haq and Kataib Imam Ali. The groups announced plans to sever ties with the PMF umbrella and confine arms to the state, according to the prime minister’s office. A joint committee was formed to implement the procedures within days.
Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr also announced in late May that his Saraya al-Salam militia would integrate into the national command structure, a move welcomed by Zaidi as strengthening state institutions.
Prime Minister Zaidi stated that such decisions “will strengthen the role of our armed forces in all their components.” The actions follow U.S. pressure on Iraq to curb militia activities, particularly after Iran-linked groups carried out attacks during the recent regional conflict.
The PMF, formed in 2014 to fight Islamic State militants, incorporates numerous Iran-aligned factions that have operated with significant autonomy while receiving state funding. Successive Iraqi governments have struggled to assert full control over the force.
Not all groups have agreed to the measures. Powerful factions such as Kataib Hezbollah have rejected full compliance, according to reports. Implementation details, including how fighters and weapons will be integrated or managed, remain subject to further negotiations.
The moves come amid broader efforts to assert Iraqi sovereignty and improve relations with the United States and Gulf states following the U.S.-Iran conflict. U.S. officials, including envoy Tom Barrack, have praised the initiatives as a step toward restoring order.
As of Thursday, the government had not released a comprehensive timeline for broader PMF reforms or full disarmament of non-compliant groups. Zaidi’s administration continues to face internal political challenges, as the ruling coalition includes parties with ties to the militias. Progress on the joint committees and integration processes is under monitoring by Iraqi authorities and international observers.
