Several powerful Iranian-backed militias in Iraq are prepared to disarm for the first time to avoid escalating conflict with the United States, according to 10 senior commanders and Iraqi officials who spoke to Reuters.
The shift follows private warnings from U.S. officials since Trump took office, urging Baghdad to disband militias or risk American airstrikes. Discussions between Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and militia leaders are reportedly advanced, with groups showing a willingness to comply.
Commanders from Kataib Hezbollah, Nujabaa, Kataib Sayyed al-Shuhada, and Ansarullah al-Awfiyaa confirmed the talks, saying even Iran’s Revolutionary Guard had approved de-escalation efforts. Some militias have already vacated bases and reduced visibility in cities like Mosul and Anbar to avoid airstrikes.
The groups, part of the Islamic Resistance in Iraq and aligned with Iran’s IRGC, have carried out drone and missile attacks on U.S. and Israeli targets since the Gaza war began. Iraqi officials say Sudani is pushing for all weapons to fall under state control through dialogue.
While no formal deal is in place, options on the table include transforming the militias into political parties or integrating them into Iraq’s armed forces. The U.S. remains skeptical, citing past instances of temporary militia pullbacks under pressure.
The discussions come at a time when Iran’s “Axis of Resistance” has been weakened across the region, with allies like Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis suffering heavy military losses. Iraq is attempting to balance its ties with both the U.S. and Iran amid pressure to rein in militias that have operated with near-independence since the 2003 U.S. invasion.
