Iraqi PM's Aide: Militia Disarmament Deadline Unlikely This Year, New Target Set for 2027

An adviser to Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Al Zaidi stated on Wednesday that the government is unlikely to reach an agreement to disarm Iran-backed militias within the current year. Yousif Al Dunainawi, the adviser, emphasized that while the government is committed to disarmament, flexibility is crucial. He announced a revised deadline of June 2027 for bringing weapons held by armed groups under state control, a move that coincides with the withdrawal of US troops from Iraq in September.

Al Dunainawi attributed the extended timeline to "external and internal factors" and stressed the importance of safeguarding the nation's security. Speaking at the Iraq Initiative conference hosted by the foreign affairs think tank Chatham House in London, he remarked, "So if you are looking at the deadline, all political forces for the Co-Ordination Framework and others … are serious about the state. But we are flexible to see what is in the Iraqi interest because we need to keep Iraq safe."

Iran-backed paramilitary groups in Iraq have been implicated in attacks on Gulf energy facilities and US bases, actions taken in retaliation for American airstrikes in Iran. These groups have also been accused of violently suppressing Iraqi protesters who demonstrated against the government in 2020. Prime Minister Ali Al Zaidi has officially set June 30, 2027, as the target date for consolidating all weaponry under state authority.

National Security Adviser Qasim Al Aboudi confirmed that Prime Minister Al Zaidi is engaged in dialogue with the armed factions, and the disarmament plan will be implemented incrementally. He noted that while two groups have resisted disarmament negotiations, one has shown flexibility, leading to optimism that the plan can be finalized by June. "There is a continuing conversation between the Prime Minister and the factions. Finally these factions signed an undertaking, there was a conclusion that they had to lay down their arms," Al Aboudi stated. "Two of them are still a bit rigid. One of them showed more flexibility that’s why I’m optimistic that the plan will be completed by June."

Basim Al Badri, head of Iraq’s National Security Service, warned that the government would address the concerns of groups willing to negotiate but would not accommodate those obstructing the process. "Those who are trying for personal interests to obstruct this issue, we are not going to give them an opportunity to do that," he said. The disarmament of militias is considered essential for restoring the rule of law in Iraq and fostering confidence among the Iraqi public and regional neighbors, particularly as Gulf countries aim to diversify energy routes to circumvent potential attacks in the Strait of Hormuz.