Iraq caught in US-Iran crossfire as Baghdad pushes to disarm powerful militias

 Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi faces pressure to disarm Shi’ite militias. Several powerful groups resist handing over their weapons to the state. This standoff creates significant security and political challenges for the government. The situation is complicated by ongoing regional tensions between Iran and the United States. US-led coalition forces are scheduled to withdraw from Iraq by September 30. Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi faces pressure to disarm Shi’ite militias. Several powerful groups resist handing over their weapons to the state. This standoff creates significant security and political challenges for the government. The situation is complicated by ongoing regional tensions between Iran and the United States. US-led coalition forces are scheduled to withdraw from Iraq by September 30.