ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq – Washington will judge efforts to disarm Iraqi non-state armed groups based on “actions and measurable results,” a senior US official said Wednesday, stressing that Iraq must preserve its sovereignty by preventing attacks by Iran-backed militias from its territory.

“The United States has been clear with Iraq that it is critical that they retain their sovereignty and prevent attacks from within its borders by Iranian-backed militias,” the official told The New Region in a statement. “We are aware that there are discussions on disarmament of some militias and will make informed decisions based on actions and measurable results.”

The new Iraqi government under Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi intensifies efforts to bring weapons under state control. Pro-Iran Iraqi armed groups launched attacks on US military and diplomatic facilities, as well as energy infrastructure in the Kurdistan Region, following the outbreak of the US-Israel war against Iran in late February.

Such factions were also involved in orchestrating missile and drone attacks on neighboring states, with Reuters reporting in May that both Saudi Arabia and Kuwait had conducted kinetic strikes on pro-Iran militias within Iraq during the course of the regional war.

“A government controlled by Iran cannot successfully put Iraq’s own interests first, keep Iraq out of regional conflicts, or advance the mutually beneficial partnership between the United States and Iraq,” the official said.

The official added that Washington “stands with Iraqi efforts to fully realize its potential as a force for stability, prosperity, and security in the Middle East.”

Zaidi, who has enjoyed strong US backing since taking office in May, is set to visit Washington in mid-July. Last week, he met US envoy to Iraq Tom Barrack, with the two emphasizing the need to ensure “the complete disarmament and disbandment” of non-state armed groups.

Since the formation of Iraq's new cabinet, several pro-Iran armed factions have announced their willingness to hand over their weapons and integrate into the state security apparatus, with some also expressing readiness to sever ties with the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF).