Washington urges Baghdad to disarm Iran-backed militias

The United States has renewed pressure on Iraq to curb the influence of armed groups, calling on the government to disarm militias supported by Iran.

The appeal was made during a phone conversation between US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani amid growing tensions over the role of these factions in the country’s security apparatus, Caliber.Az reports, citing Asharq Al-Awsat.

The call followed Sudani’s recent ultimatum to the factions — to either integrate into the state’s security structures or shift toward political activity.

According to the Iraqi Prime Minister’s Office, Sudani urged Washington to refrain from unilateral measures outside established channels of consultation and coordination.

Sudani reaffirmed his government’s commitment to sustaining “the momentum of bilateral cooperation” and advancing existing agreements, particularly in expanding economic ties, improving the investment climate, and encouraging American business activity in Iraq.

In his statement, Rubio urged Sudani to expedite the disarmament of Iran-backed armed groups operating in Iraq. He also discussed efforts to promote US commercial initiatives in the country but warned that Iran-backed militias threaten the lives and well-being of both Americans and Iraqis while diverting Iraq’s resources to Tehran’s benefit.

Rubio reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to close cooperation with Iraq “to strengthen shared interests.”

This divergence is nothing new. Back in February 2025, Baghdad described a call between Rubio and Sudani in cautious diplomatic language, while Washington was more explicit, highlighting talks on countering “Iranian malign influence” in Iraq.

The latest wave of US pressure coincides with Iraq’s internal debate over President Donald Trump’s appointment of Mark Savaya as special envoy to Iraq. According to Prime Minister adviser Hussein Allawi, who spoke to Asharq Al-Awsat, the move signals “a high level of American interest in Iraq as an ally and strategic partner.”

Allawi noted that Prime Minister Sudani seeks to activate the Strategic Framework Agreement, expanding cooperation beyond security and defence to include economic, political, cultural, energy, education, technology, and health initiatives, as well as university scholarships and banking partnerships.

By Jeyhun Aghazada