Are Iranian-backed militias in Iraq really ready to hand over weapons? - analysis

Pressure is mounting on Iran-backed militias in Iraq to either hand over their weapons to state authorities or, at the very least, place them under state "control." Kataib Hezbollah, a group designated as a terrorist organization by the US, has recently commented on the potential next steps.

The group, responsible for attacks against the US, Israel, and other regional actors, and notably for the 2025 killing of three Americans in Jordan, has stated its support for efforts to consolidate arms. Rudaw media reported that Kataib Hezbollah "praised what he described as a decision by ‘[armed] brothers not involved in the Islamic Resistance [of Iraq]’ to end their armed activities and hand over their weapons."

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praised what he described as a decision by ‘[armed] brothers not involved in the Islamic Resistance [of Iraq]’ to end their armed activities and hand over their weapons.

A spokesperson identified as Abu Mujahid al-Assaf, described by Rudaw as a senior security official within the armed group, further elaborated that the group could "confine weapons to the hands of the state and enhance security, stability, and civil peace." The statement suggests that the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) command, a state-paid paramilitary group where Kataib Hezbollah holds several brigades, could oversee the weapons. This scenario implies a transfer of weapons to an entity that already has significant influence over the group, despite its continued regional attacks.

This development comes as Iraq's new Prime Minister, Ali al-Zaidi, is engaged in ongoing indirect negotiations with several Iran-aligned armed factions. The Shiite Coordination Framework recently indicated to Rudaw that these indirect talks are continuing, aiming to bring the militias' weaponry under central government authority.

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confine weapons to the hands of the state and enhance security, stability, and civil peace.