US defence chief calls on Iraq to dismantle Iran-aligned armed groups VIDEO

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has called on Iraq to disarm Iran-backed armed groups, saying the move is necessary to strengthen the country’s sovereignty and deepen cooperation with Washington.

Writing on X following his meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi at the Pentagon, Hegseth highlighted the importance of Baghdad asserting greater control over armed factions, Caliber.Az reports. 

“I hosted Iraqi PM Ali al-Zaidi at the Pentagon today. To deepen our partnership, Iraq must assert its sovereignty and disarm the Iran-aligned militias responsible for 600+ attacks on U.S. personnel this spring,” he noted.

I hosted Iraqi PM Ali al-Zaidi at the Pentagon today.

To deepen our partnership, Iraq must assert its sovereignty and disarm the Iran-aligned militias responsible for 600+ attacks on U.S. personnel this spring.

The U.S. is also looking to the Iraqi Security Forces, including… pic.twitter.com/QbbLMMgTRY

— Secretary of War Pete Hegseth (@SecWar) July 15, 2026

The Pentagon chief also said the United States expects Iraqi security forces, including Kurdish units, to play a key role in the fight against the militant group Islamic State (ISIS).

Earlier, US President Donald Trump hosted Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi at the White House. During the meeting, Trump said Washington no longer believes the deployment of US troops in Iraq is necessary.

By Jeyhun Aghazada