"This is still an American occupation": The battle over dismantling the militias - and the deadline that was postponed

Iraqi Prime Minister al-Zaidi postponed the deadline for disarming pro-Iranian militias from the end of September 2026 to June 2027, amid the militias' refusal to disband and their continued attacks against Saudi Arabia. The militias demand a full American withdrawal as a condition for disarmament, while the US pressures Baghdad to act.

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi postponed the deadline for disarming pro-Iranian militias, originally set for the end of September 2026, to June 2027. The decision was made amid the militias' refusal to disband, including the al-Nujaba militia, which described the move as an "American-Israeli dictate." The militias continue to attack targets in Saudi Arabia, and in September struck a strategic oil pipeline from Iraqi territory. Al-Zaidi, a businessman elected this year, told the New York Times that disarmament is "a matter of honor," but Iraqi diplomats and security officials described the timeline as "almost impossible to implement," especially against the backdrop of the war with Iran. The militias set strict conditions for disarmament, including a full American withdrawal, sovereignty over all Iraqi territories, and the expulsion of Iranian opposition organizations. Meanwhile, the Iraqi aviation authority decided to suspend flights from Iran to Baghdad due to the threat of US sanctions.

"This is still an American occupation": The battle over dismantling the militias - and the deadline that was postponed