Iran-Backed Militias: A Call to Action for American Leaders

Several powerful Iranian-backed militia groups in Iraq are prepared to disarm for the first time to avert the threat of an escalating conflict with the U.S. Trump administration, 10 senior. 12 members of the United States Congress have urged the Trump administration to designate Iran - backed militias in Iraq as "terrorist organisations", impose sanctions, and end all security assistance to Iraq as long as these groups remain legally part of the Iraqi state. Iranian - backed militias in Iraq moved weapons, headquarters, and other potential targets in mid-March out of fear of American or Israeli strikes, according to local sources. A letter signed by several members of Congress calls for three key actions: designating multiple Iran-backed militias as Foreign Terrorist Organizations, imposing sanctions on them, and halting US security assistance to Iraq while these militias remain part of its state security forces, funded and trained by the government of Iraq. BAGHDAD,— Several powerful Shiite militia groups in Iraq backed by Iran are considering disarming to avoid direct confrontation with the United States, according to Iraqi officials and militia leaders who spoke to Reuters. Several Iranian-backed militias in Iraq are ready to disarm to prevent conflict with the U.S., after warnings from the Trump administration. Talks between Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al - Sudani and militia leaders are advanced, signaling a shift influenced by pressure to demilitarize. The United States has struggled to deal with Iran’s proxies short of military confrontation. Since 1984, and across six presidencies, the United States has sanctioned Iran’s extensive network of militia proxies in the Middle East to contain Tehran’s regional influence. An Iran - backed militia in Iraq has said it will continue to strike United States forces as the Biden administration considers how to retaliate against a drone attack on its base in Jordan.