Iraq is grappling with the challenge of controlling Iranian-backed militias as it faces a critical juncture following the assassination of a senior commander from the Ansar Allah al-Awfiya faction. Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi is under pressure to rein in these armed groups, which have historically undermined state authority. Shi'ite cleric Muqtada Al-Sadr has proposed that his armed group, Saraya Al-Salam, place its arms under state control, a move seen as a step towards stabilizing the country. This proposal has garnered support from Asaib Ahl al-Haq, another Iran-backed militia, which echoed the call for state control of weapons. However, not all factions agree; Kataib Sayyid Al-Shuhada has firmly opposed disarmament, arguing that their weapons are essential for national defense. The recent killing of an Ansar Allah al-Awfiya commander in a car bombing underscores the ongoing volatility in the region and the complexities facing Iraq's leadership as it navigates these treacherous waters.