BAGHDAD: A senior Iraqi official pushed back a September 30 deadline for pro-Iran factions to hand over their weapons, without offering an explanation for the move or providing a new date.
Iraq has come under pressure from the United States to rein in armed factions, particularly those close to Iran.
The US and Iran have been at war since February 28, drawing in other countries in the region as well as non-state groups backed by the Islamic republic.
For several months, Iraq’s government has stood by its deadline, but on Sunday, the security adviser to the prime minister, Qasim Al-Araji, told state media the process would only begin at the end of next month.
“September 30 is the date for the international coalition to depart, not the deadline to hand over weapons,” Araji told the Al Iraqiya broadcaster, referring to the coalition of US-led forces.
