Iraq began celebrating "Sovereignty Day" as a national holiday after the complete withdrawal of U.S. troops on Wednesday (September 29). Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Zaidi is seeking to reassert state authority, planning to disarm all militias, including pro-Iranian groups, by June 2027. Douglas Silliman, former U.S. Ambassador to Iraq and Kuwait, believes this move aims to politically weaken influential militia organizations, but it is a high-risk gamble that could lead to increased Iranian influence, domestic deadlock, and greater U.S. pressure if Iraqi groups continue to attack American assets. Both the U.S. and Iraq have pledged to avoid attacks within 90 days of the troop withdrawal.