Several prominent armed militias in Iraq, supported by Iran, have reportedly expressed a willingness to disarm in an effort to avoid escalation with the United States under President Donald Trump. The report, published Monday by Reuters, is based on interviews with senior militia commanders and Iraqi officials.
According to Iraqi political sources, the Trump administration recently delivered firm messages to the Baghdad government, warning that failure to dismantle the militias could result in American airstrikes. In response, advanced discussions began between Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani and the heads of key militias.
Iran Reportedly Approved the Move
According to the report, senior commanders in Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps gave the militias the green light to make decisions aimed at avoiding conflict with the U.S. and Israel. One commander of one of the most powerful Shia militias in Iraq told Reuters: “Trump is prepared to take this war to a new level—and we want to avoid that.”
The combined militias are estimated to number around 50,000 fighters and possess a significant arsenal, including long-range missiles and air-defense systems. Since the start of the war in Gaza, they have taken part in dozens of rocket and drone attacks targeting American and Israeli positions in both Iraq and Syria.
Militias Reducing Presence in Major Cities
An Iraqi government official stated that the prime minister is committed to bringing all weapons under state control. In line with this effort, some militias have already begun withdrawing from major cities out of fear of being targeted, with commanders reportedly changing their locations and contact information regularly.
The report signals a notable shift in Iran’s regional posture, as Iranian leadership appears to be encouraging de-escalation—likely to avoid further military conflict with the U.S.
