Zalmay Khalilzad, the former US Ambassador to Iraq, has stated that a unique opportunity has emerged to disarm militias in Iraq and consolidate state control over weapons.
In a recent statement, he highlighted growing political pressure within Iraq and from the international community to curb the influence of these armed groups, noting that even some factions have expressed a willingness to disarm.
Writing on X (formerly Twitter), Khalilzad argued that Iran’s current weakness presents a strategic opening that must be seized to ensure Iraq’s stability.
He acknowledged the difficulty of the path ahead, given the significant military and economic power these groups wield, but emphasized that continued external and internal pressure is vital for Iraq’s sovereignty.
The veteran diplomat stressed that integrating these forces is a long process but essential for the country’s future.
His comments come as the United States intensifies efforts to distance militia groups from the Iraqi government and reduce their leverage in the region’s political landscape.
