Iraq’s future remains uncertain as pro-Iran militias likely to retain arms after US withdrawal

The political and security future of Iraq remains uncertain as the September 30 deadline for the withdrawal of US forces approaches. While the Baghdad government initially linked the departure of coalition forces to the disarmament of militia groups, reports now indicate that these Tehran-backed factions are refusing to surrender their weapons until further negotiations take place after the forces have left. This development has heightened concerns regarding the continued military influence of these groups within Iraq's power structure. According to the Times of Israel, the refusal of these militias to disarm poses significant security challenges for the Iraqi government. These developments occur as the regional balance of power following the US withdrawal remains a central topic of security discourse across the Middle East.