US Congress Links Iraq Military Aid to Militia Curbs

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Some members of the U.S. Congress are conditioning proposed defense aid to Iraq on the Iraqi government demonstrating progress in restricting Iran-linked armed groups, according to a Congressional Research Service report. Shia businessman Ali al-Zeydi was sworn in as prime minister in May 2026 after running as the candidate of the Ishtiqaqi Coalition, forming the new government. The report noted that the Zeydi administration faces questions about its ability to establish state control over armed groups amid spillover from tensions between Iran, the United States and Israel. Under bilateral security cooperation, most U.S. forces have withdrawn to the Kurdistan Region while more than 5,000 Islamic State detainees continue to be transferred from Syria to Iraq. The Trump administration has requested approximately $119 million for the Iraqi army and counter-terrorism units in fiscal year 2027, along with $900,000 for international military training programs. The H.R. 8800 authorization document adopted by the House Armed Services Committee requires the Trump administration to certify that the Iraqi government has reduced the capabilities of Iran-aligned militias before releasing the aid.