Militias

Iraq has issued an ultimatum for pro-Iranian militias to disarm, raising security concerns in Israel over potential retaliatory drone and missile attacks.

The Prime Minister of Iraq has set a deadline of September 30 for armed factions to hand over their weapons to the state, and is preparing for a confrontation with those who refuse. Simultaneously, Baghdad is conducting talks with the Revolutionary Guards to restrain the militias.

Quds Force commander Esmail Qaani arrived secretly in Baghdad and met with senior officials and militia commanders. On the agenda: the pressure to disarm the factions and Iraqi efforts to restore oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz.

After Riyadh claimed to have thwarted drones launched from Iraq, Baghdad opened an official investigation and requested information from the Saudis. Pro-Iranian militias have denied the allegations.

Three UAV interception incidents have occurred near Israel's borders in the last two weeks. While all drones were neutralized outside Israeli territory, security officials are still working to confirm the exact origin of all launches, with Iraqi-based pro-Iranian militias currently considered the most likely perpetrators.