Blab Politics
Iraq Moves to Bring Iran-Backed Militias Under State Control, Signaling Shift in Security Structure
On May 30, 2026, Prime Minister Ali al‑Zaidi unveiled a three‑phase strategy to place Iranian‑backed militias under Iraq’s official command, a development that could overhaul the nation’s security landscape. The plan builds on the 2018 decision to formally integrate the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) into the state’s security structure.
The PMF—a coalition created to confront ISIS—has historically functioned under a dual chain of command. Iraqi salaries and official security titles are issued to its fighters, yet day‑to‑day operations are frequently directed by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Quds Force and its allies, including Asaib Ahl al‑Haq (AAH). AAH’s Wikipedia entry notes that the group receives funding, training, and equipment from the Quds Force and Hezbollah’s Unit 3800.
BasNews described the plan’s first phase as an evaluation of arsenals followed by a scheduled handover of weapons. The final stage will facilitate the incorporation of militia personnel into Iraq’s formal security agencies—or back into the PMF under state oversight. Long War Journal notes that the initiative is part of a larger push to bring weapons held by Iranian‑backed militias under Iraqi authority.
The initiative comes on the heels of the 2025 parliamentary elections, where the Sadiqoon Movement—under Qais al‑Khazali, the AAH chief—captured 26 seats. Khazali, who has aimed to move from militia leadership to formal politics, declared a “total and absolute separation” of Saraya al‑Salam from his movement and its full state integration. The election results and Khazali’s public repositioning point to a strategic shift in Iraq’s Shiite political arena.
Iran’s sway in Iraq stretches back decades. The Washington Institute records that Tehran’s engagement started in 1981 with the creation of the Islamic State of Iraq and the United Arab Emirates (ISCI) and the Badr Brigades. The influence surged after the fight against ISIS, when more than 100 Iranian military bases dotted Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon, cementing Tehran’s strategic foothold.
By consolidating control, the integration plan could empower pro‑Iranian factions within Iraq’s security establishment. Long War Journal warns that the shift may redefine the roles of PMF‑affiliated groups, potentially amplifying Iranian sway over Iraq’s military and intelligence apparatus.
By June 3, 2026, two Iranian‑backed militias had committed to surrendering their arsenals to Iraqi authorities, a milestone toward unifying the nation’s security forces amid regional turbulence. The plan’s final phase will see militia members transition into state security institutions—a move that will probably need parliamentary endorsement and oversight.
In short, Iraq’s strategy to subsume Iranian‑backed militias under state control marks a significant realignment of its security architecture. Emerging after the 2025 parliamentary elections and the Sadiqoon Movement’s ascendancy, the plan could shift the power balance between Iraqi officials and Iranian‑aligned forces. Upcoming actions will include weapon handovers, the integration of militia personnel into official security bodies, and close scrutiny by Iraq’s parliament and security agencies.
The PMF—a coalition created to confront ISIS—has historically functioned under a dual chain of command. Iraqi salaries and official security titles are issued to its fighters, yet day‑to‑day operations are frequently directed by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Quds Force and its allies, including Asaib Ahl al‑Haq (AAH). AAH’s Wikipedia entry notes that the group receives funding, training, and equipment from the Quds Force and Hezbollah’s Unit 3800.
BasNews described the plan’s first phase as an evaluation of arsenals followed by a scheduled handover of weapons. The final stage will facilitate the incorporation of militia personnel into Iraq’s formal security agencies—or back into the PMF under state oversight. Long War Journal notes that the initiative is part of a larger push to bring weapons held by Iranian‑backed militias under Iraqi authority.
The initiative comes on the heels of the 2025 parliamentary elections, where the Sadiqoon Movement—under Qais al‑Khazali, the AAH chief—captured 26 seats. Khazali, who has aimed to move from militia leadership to formal politics, declared a “total and absolute separation” of Saraya al‑Salam from his movement and its full state integration. The election results and Khazali’s public repositioning point to a strategic shift in Iraq’s Shiite political arena.
Iran’s sway in Iraq stretches back decades. The Washington Institute records that Tehran’s engagement started in 1981 with the creation of the Islamic State of Iraq and the United Arab Emirates (ISCI) and the Badr Brigades. The influence surged after the fight against ISIS, when more than 100 Iranian military bases dotted Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon, cementing Tehran’s strategic foothold.
By consolidating control, the integration plan could empower pro‑Iranian factions within Iraq’s security establishment. Long War Journal warns that the shift may redefine the roles of PMF‑affiliated groups, potentially amplifying Iranian sway over Iraq’s military and intelligence apparatus.
By June 3, 2026, two Iranian‑backed militias had committed to surrendering their arsenals to Iraqi authorities, a milestone toward unifying the nation’s security forces amid regional turbulence. The plan’s final phase will see militia members transition into state security institutions—a move that will probably need parliamentary endorsement and oversight.
In short, Iraq’s strategy to subsume Iranian‑backed militias under state control marks a significant realignment of its security architecture. Emerging after the 2025 parliamentary elections and the Sadiqoon Movement’s ascendancy, the plan could shift the power balance between Iraqi officials and Iranian‑aligned forces. Upcoming actions will include weapon handovers, the integration of militia personnel into official security bodies, and close scrutiny by Iraq’s parliament and security agencies.
