The United States has completed its planned pull‑out of military personnel from Iraq, prompting a shift in the security landscape that Iraqi authorities say will be addressed through a fresh integration timetable. Middle East Eye reported that the Iraqi government has announced a deadline for Iran‑backed militias to either merge into the national armed forces or surrender their weapons.
The deadline, set by Baghdad, is intended to formalise the status of a range of non‑state actors that have operated alongside Iranian interests since the 2003 invasion. Officials have called for the groups to register, undergo vetting and, where appropriate, be absorbed into the regular army or police structures. Failure to comply could lead to legal action or further security measures, according to statements from Iraqi ministries.
In response, several of the militias celebrated the departure of U.S. troops, viewing it as a reduction of foreign pressure on their operations. The celebrations were reported as public displays of support for the groups' continued presence and influence within Iraq's political and security spheres. Analysts cited by the outlet noted that the withdrawal may embolden the militias, while also creating an opening for the Iraqi state to assert greater control.
The move comes amid broader regional concerns about the balance of power between Tehran and Washington. While the United States has not detailed its future engagement strategy in Iraq, the Iraqi government's integration push signals an attempt to consolidate state authority and mitigate the risk of armed factions operating independently. The outcome of the deadline, and the willingness of the militias to comply, will shape Iraq's internal stability and its relations with both Iran and the United States.
Reporting attribution: based on reporting by Middle East Eye — original source: https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/us-pulls-forces-out-iraq-what-happens-iran-backed-armed-groups.