From The Conversation · Yasir Kuoti · · 1m 50s
US Demands Iraq Disarm Brigades, Misreads Security Landscape
US pushes Iraq to disarm Iranian-backed groups, but sees state monopoly on arms as impossible.
In brief
US pushes Iraq to disarm Iranian-backed groups, but sees state monopoly on arms as impossible. US demands Iraq disarm Iranian-aligned armed groups but misreads the nation's complex security structure, delaying a state monopoly on arms until June 2027. Originally reported by The Conversation.
Sovereignty Day
Iraq marked Sovereignty Day on Sept 30, 2026, with a four-day national holiday celebrating U.S-led forces' departure.
US Withdrawal Timeline
American troops, the largest contingent, had been stationed since 2014 as part of an 87-member coalition providing military and intelligence assistance.
State Monopoly Deadline
The deadline for Iraq to disarm Iranian-backed armed groups was pushed back from its target date to June 2027.
US Pressure on Iraq
President Donald Trump reportedly warned Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi of financial penalties or direct strikes if disarmament did not happen by early November 2026.
State Monopoly Disagreement
Iraqi government wants to bring Iranian-aligned armed groups into the state-sponsored Popular Mobilization Forces, while US wants demilitarization of all armed groups.
PMF Structure
The Popular Mobilization Forces, formed in response to Islamic State, consists of 60-70 brigades mainly Shiite Muslim groups with some Sunni and other ethnic groups.
Resistance Groups
Resistance groups like Hezbollah Brigades and al-Nujaba Movement trace their lineage to the Mahdi Army formed with Iran's assistance during the 2003 US invasion.
US Concerns
Since February 2026, Iraqi-based resistance factions have launched hundreds of rocket strikes against US forces in Iraq and attacked infrastructure in Arab Gulf states and Israel.
Disarmament Progress
By Oct 6, 2026, Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi had convinced three out of five main resistance factions to surrender weapons to the state.
State Definition Conflict
US sees state as centralized rulemaking, while Iraq views state as communalized with armed groups operating within legal framework.
In short
US demands Iraq disarm Iranian-aligned armed groups but misreads the nation's complex security structure, delaying a state monopoly on arms until June 2027.
