Iraq sets September 30 deadline for pro-Iran groups to disarm

BAGHDAD: Iraq’s government has given pro-Iran armed groups in the country until September 30 to disarm, its spokesman said during a press conference on Monday. The announcement comes ahead of a visit to the United States by new Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi, with Washington exerting pressure on Baghdad to ensure the factions turn in their weapons. Some of the groups targeted US facilities in Iraq during the Middle East war, which was sparked by Israeli-American strikes against Iran in late February.