Baghdad sets a red line for pro-Iranian militias: by June 2027

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi presented a roadmap for dismantling pro-Iranian militias by June 2027. The plan includes a 90-day truce starting September 30, coinciding with the withdrawal of American forces. The militias demand an extension until the end of 2027, and experts express skepticism. The move comes amid American pressure and a severe economic crisis following the loss of 60% of oil export revenues.

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi presented an ambitious roadmap for dismantling pro-Iranian militias in the country by June 30, 2027. The plan stipulates a 90-day truce starting September 30, coinciding with the completion of the withdrawal of American forces from Iraq. During this period, the militias will commit to a ceasefire, and in return, they will be guaranteed not to be attacked by the US. Afterwards, a gradual process of handing over weapons to the state will begin. The militias themselves demand an extension until at least the end of 2027, and regional experts view the promise with great skepticism, defining it as a wishful thinking that is almost impossible without a comprehensive agreement between Washington and Tehran. The move comes amid heavy pressure from the Trump administration to rein in the armed organizations, which have amassed immense power since 2014. At the same time, Iraq faces an unprecedented economic crisis: the country has lost about 60% of its monthly oil export revenues, an amount estimated at $60 billion, due to the disruption of tanker traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran is also preventing Iraqi tankers from passing through the strait to raise oil prices. Baghdad is trying to promote projects to build oil pipelines that would bypass the Persian Gulf through Turkey, but the success of the plans depends on al-Zaidi's ability to impose authority over the militants at home.