Iraq’s PM seeks to disarm Iran-backed militias, but Tehran wants to meddle - analysis

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi is facing his most significant challenge just months into his tenure, as he seeks to assert state control over powerful Iran-backed militias.

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to gain a field assessment of the status of the air defense system, its preparations, and its missions in protecting Iraq's skies.

On August 12, Al-Zaidi, who also serves as Commander-in-Chief of the Iraqi Armed Forces, visited the Air Defense Command headquarters. His office stated the visit aimed to "gain a field assessment of the status of the air defense system, its preparations, and its missions in protecting Iraq's skies." This move aligns with the Iraqi-American agreement for the complete withdrawal of international coalition forces by September 30, underscoring the need for Iraq's armed forces to fully assume responsibility for national sovereignty.

Iraq is reportedly moving forward with a new law to disarm the militias or bring their weapons under state control, a move mirroring efforts in Lebanon and Gaza. The prime minister received a briefing on the Air Defense Capability Building Plan (2026-2031), which focuses on enhancing radar detection, weapons systems, and command and control.

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The Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces' visit to the Air Defense Command headquarters came amid preparations for the upcoming phase and follow-up on readiness across operational sectors, as part of implementing the Iraqi-American agreement stipulating the end of the international coalition forces' mission and the completion of their full withdrawal from Iraq on September 30 next, which underscores the importance of bolstering the capabilities of the Iraqi Armed Forces and air defense systems to fully assume responsibility for protecting the airspace and national sovereignty.

However, Iran is actively working to counter these efforts. Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Quds Force head Esmail Ghaani arrived in Baghdad to rally support for the militias. Ghaani is expected to advocate for postponing the September 30 disarmament deadline or ensuring the legal language remains vague enough to allow the militias to retain their arms.

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listened to a detailed briefing presented by the Air Defense Commander, covering the system's current status, control of operational sectors, and the strategy for developing the capabilities of our specialized units within the framework of the 2026-2031 Air Defense Capability Building Plan, which aims to establish an integrated air defense system through enhancing radar detection and surveillance capabilities, weapons systems, and command and control.