World
Iran-backed militias in Iraq ‘willing to disarm’ to dodge US escalation
Tehran has been pulling back from direct support for its proxies amid growing tension with Washington over the former’s nuclear programme
April 8, 2025 11:24
Tehran has been pulling back from direct support for its proxies amid growing tension with Washington over the former’s nuclear programme
April 8, 2025 11:24A number of powerful Iraqi militias backed by Iran are reportedly willing to lay down their weapons in order to avoid US escalation in the region.
Izzat al-Shahbndar, who is closely connected to Iraq’s government, told Reuters that talks between Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and militia leaders are “very advanced”, with most in favour of disarming.
According to the report, a group of 10 commanders and officials have confirmed the negotiations, saying that the move is designed to shut down the prospect of direct military action against them by the US.
The idea was reportedly developed in the wake of several warnings from US officials in Baghdad that failure to wind up the militias’ operations would be met with a severe response.
"The factions are not acting stubbornly or insisting on continuing in their current form,” said al-Shahbndar.
One commander, reportedly attached to the Kataib Hezbollah militia, added: “Trump is ready to take the war with us to worse levels, we know that, and we want to avoid such a bad scenario.”
The group has since denied that any of its commanders spoke to Reuters.
The report also stated that the groups have been giving the blessing of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the powerful armed wing of the Islamic regime, to implement whichever course of action they decide on.
However, US officials are reported to have responded to the talks by reiterating that only total disbandment of the militias will sufficient to remove the threat of military action, adding that they are considered legitimate targets for strikes until they are dissolved fully.
The stand-off comes at a time of heightened tension between the US and Iran (as well as its network of regional proxies).
President Trump has threatened directly to bomb Iran if there is no agreement over a new deal limiting the country’s nuclear programme within the next couple of months. In response, Supreme Leader Ali Khameinei claimed that Tehran would strike a “strong blow” against the US if any such bombing did occur.
Trump also claimed, during a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, that “direct talks” on the nuclear deal would begin this weekend – something which Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi disputed, saying that only indirect negotiations would take place.
Direct diplomacy would only be considered if the US lifted all sanctions on Iran, Aragchi added.