Iraqi PM sets June 30 deadline for pro-Iran factions to disarm

Baghdad - Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi has set June 30 as a deadline for armed factions to hand over their weapons to the state, following the end of the U.S.-led coalition's mission in Iraq. Zaidi stated in a statement that the government aims to achieve this goal by June 30, 2027, after abandoning an initial September 30 deadline.

Iraqi armed factions backed by Iran have refused to commit to any timeline or agreement to surrender their weapons to the state, claiming they are not bound by any timeline or agreement. The Islamic Resistance declared that it is not bound by any timetable or agreement. As Iraq celebrated the withdrawal of U.S. forces after two decades of war, concerns arose that the security vacuum could empower Iran-backed militias or allow the return of the Islamic State.

The final U.S. troops left Iraq from an airbase in Erbil, marking the end of the largest U.S. war of the 21st century, which caused significant devastation and chaos that Iraq is still grappling with. Iran, which has gained influence in Iraq through allied groups, views the U.S. pullout as a victory for its axis of resistance across the Middle East.

Iraqi troops celebrated the pullout in Baghdad and the Shia holy city of Najaf, with residents expressing joy but also emphasizing the need for powerful militia groups to surrender their weapons to the government for protection.