ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq - Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani on Monday met with State of Law Coalition leader Nouri al-Maliki, discussing regional developments and challenges facing Iraq, amid reports of ongoing international pressure to dissolve armed factions.

The overall situation in Iraq and the government’s progress in implementing its program were highlighted during the meeting held in Maliki’s office, in addition to discussing challenges currently facing the country and the importance of concerted efforts in confronting them amid ongoing regional developments, especially in Syria.

“Iraq’s firm position in supporting the unity of Syrian lands and respecting the choices of its people was emphasized,” read a statement from Sudani’s office.

Sudani’s visit to Maliki’s office comes amid international calls on the Iraqi government to disarm and dissolve armed groups not operating under the umbrella of Iraqi state forces, and days after the Hezbollah-affiliated al-Akhbar newspaper claimed that Maliki intends on forming a new armed faction named “Sons of the State,” in preparation for any future security challenges.

Fadhil Mwat, a senior leader in Maliki’s State of Law Coalition, told The New Region on Saturday that the reports suggesting Maliki intends on forming a new faction are “absolutely untrue.”

In an interview with Saudi state-owned Al Arabiya on Monday, Iraqi Parliament Speaker Mohammed al-Mashhadani said that US President-elect Donald Trump has contacted Sudani and stressed to him the need to restrict weapons to the state, which Mashhadani noted is something Baghdad is already working on.

Attacks from Iran-backed Iraqi armed factions targeting Israel have been halted since late November, after Israel called on the UN Security Council to take “immediate action” against the ongoing strikes, indicating intention to target Iraq if the attacks are not stopped.

Mashhadani said that the armed groups answered the government’s call to stop the attacks on Israel, but added that there are still concerns about a potential Israeli strike on Iraq.

The Iraqi government had previously signaled a commitment to end the US military presence by an agreed-upon deadline. However, recent developments in neighboring Syria and broader geopolitical dynamics have prompted a reassessment, according to Iraqi officials and media reports.

The Washington Post quoted an unnamed Iraqi official who claimed “there has been a shift” in how senior Iraqi officials regard a potential withdrawal of the American forces “after recent developments in the region.” Iraqi authorities are also “more welcoming” to the US proposals to station reconnaissance assets near the country’s border with Syria, according to the source.