US calls for 'action, not words' from Iraq over militias

WASHINGTON - US State Department said Wednesday Washington is seeking “action, not words” from Iraqi leaders as concerns grow over armed militias within state institutions, while Prime Minister-Designate Ali al-Zaidi is expected to announce his cabinet in the coming days.

“The Iraqi leaders, including the Prime Minister-designate, understand what the United States is looking for,” the senior US State Department told reporters, adding that they are "looking for action, not words.”

The official described a “blurry line” between the Iraqi state and armed militias, saying reform requires concrete steps including expelling “terrorist militias” from state institutions, cutting access to the national budget, and stopping salary payments to fighters.

The remarks come as discussions continue over forming Iraq’s next federal government.

On Wednesday, Zaidi’s office said that he received a phone call from US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, who congratulated him on his designation to form the new government.

They discussed bilateral relations in various fields, particularly security cooperation under the Strategic Framework Agreement, and emphasized the importance of reactivating training to bolster the capabilities of the Iraqi Armed Forces.

Washington has repeatedly urged Baghdad to assert full control over its security apparatus and curb the influence of armed groups operating outside state command.

“Those are the type of concrete actions that would give us confidence and say that there’s a new mindset,” the American official told reporters.

According to the official, some elements within the Iraqi state continue to provide political, financial and operational cover to militias, complicating efforts to separate state authority from armed groups. They also said US facilities in Iraq were targeted more than 600 times during the recent US-Iran war that began on February 28 before a ceasefire was announced on April 8.

The remarks underscore Washington’s broader concern over non-state armed actors influencing Iraqi governance and security decision-making processes.