Washington and Baghdad are working together to bring Iran‑linked militias under Iraqi state authority, a key element of President Trump’s foreign‑policy strategy to secure the Middle East and protect American interests.
U.S. support highlighted as Iraq revises disarmament timeline
Senior Iraqi security adviser Qasim al‑Araji told Al Iraqiya on Aug. 23 that the Sept. 30 deadline set by the international coalition was not a deadline for weapons hand‑over, but simply the date the coalition will depart. The statement underscores the Iraqi government’s willingness to move forward on disarmament while allowing a realistic timeline for integration.
President Trump’s administration has repeatedly praised Prime Minister Ali al‑Zaidi’s commitment to placing all arms under state control. A State Department spokesperson said, “Iraq has embarked on a new direction under Prime Minister al‑Zaidi in full partnership with the United States. As President Trump made clear during the historic July 14 visit, the United States strongly supports his vision for a brighter future for all Iraqis, free from terrorism.”
Local officials stress economic benefits
At the Baghdad Dialogue Conference, Prime Minister al‑Zaidi warned that weapons outside state authority “create an environment that discourages investment, which is unacceptable because it does not serve the interests of Iraqis.” By integrating militias, the government hopes to attract foreign and domestic investors, a goal that aligns with the Trump administration’s emphasis on economic growth and stability.
Former U.S. ambassador and Middle‑East analyst Alberto Fernandez claimed Iranian oil profits were funding militia activities, a charge the Iraqi government denied. The administration’s response, emphasizing that Iran’s exploitation of Iraqi resources threatens both Iraqi families and U.S. security, reinforces the need for decisive action.
Challenges remain, but progress noted
While hard‑line groups such as Kataeb Hezbollah and Harakat Hezbollah al‑Nujaba have resisted integration, other factions, including Muqtada al‑Sadr’s Saraya al‑Salam, have expressed willingness to join state structures. The U.S. Treasury’s 2025 sanctions on deputy oil minister Ali Maarij Al‑Bahadly for diverting oil revenues to Iran’s proxy militias illustrate Washington’s commitment to curbing illicit financing.
Experts like Elizabeth Tsurkov of the New Lines Institute acknowledge the Iraqi government’s genuine efforts, noting that “the militias have penetrated most state institutions… and you see repeated situations of the state backing down.” Nonetheless, the Trump administration’s diplomatic pressure and targeted sanctions have helped secure the release of kidnapped U.S. allies, such as senior fellow Elizabeth Tsurkov, demonstrating tangible results of the partnership.
Looking ahead
Prime Minister al‑Zaidi’s team continues to develop mechanisms for weapon surrender, and the United States remains ready to assist with training, intelligence sharing, and logistical support. As the coalition prepares to exit, the focus shifts to ensuring Iraqi security forces have the capacity to enforce state authority without external interference.
President Trump’s steadfast stance against Iranian aggression, combined with Iraqi leadership’s willingness to integrate militias, offers a hopeful path toward lasting peace and economic opportunity for Iraqi families and for the broader region.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
