BREAKING NEWS: Washington to End Militia Presence in Iraq in 2026

The image to the left is President Trump and U.S. Special Envoy to Iraq Mark Savaya.  Guys the "battle is on."

  

The United States says it is determined to end the presence of militia groups in Iraq by the end of 2026, a policy goal highlighted in New Year’s remarks from Washington’s special envoy to Iraq. (Iraqi News)

In his message marking the start of the year, U.S. Special Envoy to Iraq Mark Savaya said the United States is working with the Iraqi government toward a future in which armed non-state actors are dissolved, weapons outside government control are removed, and Iraq’s sovereignty is strengthened. He framed 2026 as a pivotal year for these objectives. (rudaw.net)

Savaya spoke of eliminating militias, uncontrolled weapons, corruption, and foreign interference that undermine the rule of law and Iraqi national authority. “Iraq and its flag will remain high and flying proudly, a source of pride for all Iraqis,” he said, adding: “And we are JUST GETTING STARTED.” (rudaw.net)

Pressure on Baghdad to Disarm Armed Groups

The U.S. push comes amid increasing pressure on Baghdad to rein in Iran-aligned militias and bring all weapons under state control. Washington has urged Iraqi leaders to exclude militia representatives from the government, arguing that armed factions with independent power threaten stability and undermine Iraqi sovereignty. (Facebook)

Several political wings of Iran-backed armed groups — particularly factions within the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) — won seats in Iraq’s November 2025 parliamentary elections. For example, the Sadiqoon Bloc, affiliated with the militia group Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq (designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S.), secured 27 seats in the new legislature. 

Mixed Reactions and Challenges

The campaign to dissolve militias faces strong resistance from some armed groups that argue they have the right to retain arms as long as foreign forces remain in Iraq. Among the most defiant is Kata’ib Hezbollah, a powerful Iran-linked militia that has rejected disarmament demands outright. (rudaw.net)

Meanwhile, Iraq’s Supreme Judicial Council has reported that leaders of some armed factions have pledged to cooperate with efforts to limit weapons to state authority, though these commitments remain contested and incomplete in practice. 

Broader U.S. Strategy in Iraq

The United States has been negotiating with Baghdad on a two-phase withdrawal of U.S. troops that is expected to run through 2026. Under this plan, most U.S. forces stationed in Iraq will depart, even as a smaller contingent of advisors and security personnel may stay to help counter remaining threats, including Islamic State remnants. (Gulf International Forum)

The effort to dismantle militias is part of a wider U.S. strategy that seeks to support Iraqi sovereignty, reduce Iranian influence, and enhance the government’s monopoly on legitimate force. However, analysts note that the success of these efforts depends on cooperation from both Iraqi political factions and armed groups — as well as broader regional dynamics. (Facebook)