{
  "id": 2954992,
  "title": "Iraq appears to delay militia disarmament as Iran-backed factions pressure Baghdad - analysis",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/24/iraq-appears-to-delay-militia-disarmament-as-iran-backed-factions",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-24T06:02:21.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Jerusalem Post",
    "slug": "jerusalem-post",
    "url": "https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-906380"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Iraq's new Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi was initially tasked with curbing the influence of Iranian-backed militias. These groups have been involved in numerous attacks against US forces, journalists, civilians, and diplomatic missions. Many of these militias are sanctioned by the United States as terrorist organizations.\n\nIraq had initially aimed to complete the disarmament process by September 30, coinciding with the expected withdrawal of US troops. However, Iraq is now reportedly delaying the disarmament until after the US departure. The national security advisor, Qasim al-Araji, stated that the process would begin gradually following the US exit, emphasizing a \"strategic Iraqi decision\" and the use of dialogue rather than force.\n\nThe delay in disarming the militias has raised concerns, as it may signal a shift in Iraq's commitment to the disarmament process. Iran has been actively involved in showcasing its power in Baghdad, with high-ranking officials like Iran's IRGC Quds Force head Esmail Qaani and the speaker of parliament visiting the country. This move has been seen as Iran attempting to exert influence over Iraq's security situation.\n\nDespite the delays, Iraq's government has maintained that all political forces agree on the need to control weapons exclusively by the state. The decision to disengage from militias is now seen as being exclusively in the hands of the Iraqi state.",
  "summary": "Now Iraq is indicating that it actually wants to wait until the US leaves, to disarm the militias. This bait and switch on timing shows how Iraq will slow play its obligations.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The National UAE",
        "title": "Iraq PMF law risks entrenching Iran-backed militias as parallel force",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/23/iraq-pmf-law-risks-entrenching-iran-backed-militias-as-parallel-force",
        "published": "2026-08-23T11:13:28.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}