The disarmament of two powerful Iran-backed Shi'ite militias in Iraq, Asaib Ahl al-Haq and Ktaeb Imam Ali, has been met with approval from US officials, suggesting a potential shift towards Iraqi sovereignty. However, this development appears to be a strategic adjustment within Iran's entrenched influence in the region. Faiq Zaidan, the chief of Iraq's Supreme Judicial Council and a close associate of Asaib's leader, is seen as a pivotal figure in this scenario. His role has been crucial in shaping Iraq's political landscape, ensuring that pro-Iran factions remain influential despite political rivalries. While the integration of armed groups into state forces is presented as a move towards national unity, it is more indicative of a consolidation of power among Iran-aligned groups, rather than a genuine relinquishment of control. This complex dynamic highlights the multifaceted nature of Iranian strategy in Iraq, where internal rivalries exist but do not challenge the overarching Iranian agenda.