Iraq's newly appointed Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi welcomed representatives from two Iran-aligned militias on June 3. His office in Baghdad confirmed meetings with envoys from the Asaib Ahl al-Haq Movement and the Kataib Imam Ali Battalions.

At first glance the gatherings underscored the sway pro-Iran factions hold in the capital. Yet the prime minister invited the delegations specifically to commend their backing for his disarmament proposal.

The leader employed a subtle rhetorical approach, expressing gratitude while advancing a contrary objective. He lauded Sheikh Qais al-Khazali and Mr. Shibl al-Zaidi for aiding state-building efforts, according to his office.

The underlying message centered on their readiness to place weapons solely under state authority and operate within official military structures. The two influential militias are therefore expected to detach from the Popular Mobilization Forces and surrender their arms.

Compliance would transform the organizations into purely political entities. Asaib Ahl al-Haq maintains parliamentary seats and participates in the Shi'ite Coordination Framework.

Shi'ite armed groups continue to influence Iraq's political and security environment

The movement exemplifies the hybrid militia-political structures that have historically supported Iran's regional agenda. Khazali traveled to Lebanon in 2017 to express solidarity with Hezbollah and has faced US sanctions.

The prime minister assumed office in May with American support. Washington has named Tom Barrack as its new envoy covering both Syria and Iraq, and Barrack has endorsed the disarmament drive. The US Embassy has likewise voiced approval.

The prime minister highlighted the sacrifices made by security forces in defending the country and described the Popular Mobilization Forces as a key contributor to stability whose members now aid national development alongside other institutions.

The PMF comprises roughly seventy brigades, predominantly Shi'ite units tied to Iran. These include Badr, Kataib Hezbollah, Asaib Ahl al-Haq, Harakat Hezbollah al-Nujaba, Kataib Imam Ali, Kataib Sayyid al-Shuhada, and Harakat Ansar Allah al-Awfiya.

Most factions maintain one or a few brigades within the umbrella. Badr holds the largest share with more than a dozen numbered units, while Kataib Hezbollah participates in the 45th through 47th brigades and Asaib Ahl al-Haq oversees the 41st to 43rd.

Iraq's prime minister advances plan to disarm PMF units and reinforce central authority

The leader has directed formation of a joint committee to devise mechanisms for separation from the PMF and consolidation of weapons under state control within two days, all in line with constitutional and legal requirements.

Baghdad faces the practical task of transitioning an estimated 250,000 PMF members into alternative employment. Figures may have declined in recent months.

Local reporting notes that although state-funded, the PMF encompasses factions aligned with the Iran-led Axis of Resistance that have conducted attacks on perceived US interests since the Iran conflict began in late February, often via shadow entities under the Islamic Resistance in Iraq banner.

Hardline pro-Iran groups such as Kataib Hezbollah, Harakat Hezbollah al-Nujaba, and Kataib Sayyid al-Shuhada have yet to signal acceptance. Even if Asaib Ahl al-Haq and Kataib Imam Ali proceed, numerous additional factions require attention.

Badr, led by Hadi al-Amiri, appears unlikely to accept sweeping changes given its entrenched institutional influence and lack of US sanctions.

The government holds greater leverage over groups designated as foreign terrorist organizations by Washington. Whether the prime minister can extend the initiative to all factions without triggering internal conflict remains uncertain, especially if Kataib Sayyid al-Shuhada and Harakat Hezbollah al-Nujaba refuse to disarm.