In 2003, the United States invaded Iraq, claiming it had weapons of mass destruction and was under the influence of Saddam Hussein's regime. Over the years, the American military presence in Iraq decreased, and by September 30, 2021, the last U.S. troops had officially left the country. In return for this departure, the Iraqi government had promised to disarm powerful armed groups that were aligned with Iran and not under the control of the Iraqi state. These groups have been a source of instability and have often acted independently of the government. Iraq's Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, recently announced a new deadline for the disarmament of these groups, setting it for June 30, 2027. This extension comes after the initial deadline, which was set in 2021, was not met. The new timeline aims to give the government more time to address the issue, but it has raised concerns about the feasibility of achieving this goal. Many believe that the groups have deep roots in Iraqi society and are supported by powerful regional actors. The armed groups in question include militias such as the Popular Mobilization Forces, which have played a significant role in the fight against ISIS but have also been accused of operating outside the government's authority. Disarming them is a complex political and security challenge, as it involves not only military action but also negotiations with various stakeholders, including Iran, which has close ties to many of these groups. The extension of the deadline highlights the ongoing challenges Iraq faces in consolidating its sovereignty and maintaining stability. With the U.S. military no longer present, the Iraqi government must navigate a delicate balance between addressing internal security threats and managing its relationships with regional powers. The success or failure of this disarmament effort will likely have long-term implications for Iraq's political landscape and its relations with its neighbors.