Iraq delays PMU disarmament deadline as Iran-linked militias resist integration

Iraq’s leadership has moved away from the Sept. 30 deadline that was meant to force the Popular Mobilization Units (PMU) to hand over their weapons, with security adviser Qasim al-Araji stating the date only signals the departure of the US-led coalition. Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi and Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr have expressed willingness to bring the militias under state control, but factions like Kataeb Hezbollah and Harakat Hezbollah al-Nujaba have publicly rejected disarmament.

The US Treasury previously sanctioned Deputy Oil Minister Ali Maarij Al-Bahadly for diverting oil revenues to Iran-backed militias, and the Iraqi anti-corruption body later sentenced him to prison. Analysts note that militia influence within Iraqi institutions hampers government efforts, as illustrated by the recent arrest and swift transfer of PMU intelligence chief Abbas al-Yaqubi back to militia control. Visits by Iran’s Quds Force commander Esmail Qaani are reported to have encouraged militia leaders to stall the process. The episode underscores the challenges facing the US-backed initiative to curb Iran’s proxy power in Iraq.