Iraq Delays Deadline for Militia Disarmament

Iraq has pushed back its deadline for armed factions to disarm, according to multiple reports. The original deadline concerned Iran-backed Shiite militias handing over their weapons. A new date of September 30 has been described as decisive for the start of restricting weapons to state control. The delay comes as Iran-backed factions pressure Baghdad, according to an analysis. The move concerns efforts to bring arms under the sole authority of the state.