2 Iraqi Militias Move to Quit PMF as US Pressure Threatens Baghdad's Next Government
Updated
Updated · Institute for the Study of War · Jun 2
2 Iraqi Militias Move to Quit PMF as US Pressure Threatens Baghdad's Next Government
3 articles · Updated · Institute for the Study of War · Jun 2
Asaib Ahl al Haq and Kataib al Imam Ali said on June 2 they will form committees to disengage from the Popular Mobilization Forces and place weapons under state control.
Asaib said its panel will inventory personnel, arms, vehicles and supplies and coordinate with the prime minister, while Kataib al Imam Ali outlined committees for weapons transfer and fighter reintegration.
The moves follow a June 1 statement by Iraq's Shia Coordination Framework backing state control of arms, but the report says the bloc may be trying to satisfy Washington without actually dissolving the PMF.
US pressure has intensified after militia attacks during the war, and Iraqi media say Washington still opposes cabinet posts for parties tied to Iranian-backed militias even if they announce disarmament.
The announcements also fit reported Iranian guidance to halt kinetic activity and preserve militia political influence, as Baghdad still has 9 of 23 ministerial posts unfilled.
Are Iraqi militias truly disarming, or is this a strategic play to capture the state from within?
As Iran fortifies its nuclear sites, is a diplomatic solution to its enriched uranium stockpile still possible?
With global oil buffers nearing exhaustion, what is the ultimate price for reopening the Strait of Hormuz?
Iraq’s 2026 Disarmament Drive: State Push to Control Armed Groups Amid Economic Crisis and Regional War
Overview
In June 2026, the Iraqi government intensified efforts to consolidate control over all armed groups, aiming to bring all weapons under direct state command and strengthen state authority. This move has attracted significant international attention, with the United States formally endorsing Baghdad’s push for disarmament and integration of militias into the state structure. U.S. Charge d'Affaires Joshua Harris met with Iraq’s National Security Adviser to express strong support, highlighting continued American investment in the process. These developments mark a clear shift towards centralizing military power and reinforcing Iraq’s sovereignty amid complex internal and external pressures.