Iraq orders Iran‑backed militias to surrender arms by Sept 30

Iraq’s government has set a deadline of 30 September 2026 for Iran‑backed armed groups to either disarm or be incorporated into the state security forces. The date coincides with the scheduled end of the U.S.–led International Coalition’s anti‑ISIS mission in the country, a timeline the government says reflects a changing security environment.

Prime Minister Ali al‑Zaidi, who took office with U.S. backing and is slated to visit Washington, affirmed the move amid growing American pressure. Government spokesman Haidar al‑Aboudi warned that any weapons remaining outside the state framework after the deadline will face legal action. The militias, which have launched hundreds of attacks on U.S. and Gulf targets since the 2003 invasion, are seen by Washington as a key leverage point for Iran in the region, prompting threats of economic repercussions and conditional resumption of financial transfers to Iraq.