Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi has set a June 30, 2027, deadline for Iran-backed armed factions to disarm, AFP reported on Thursday.

The phased process would also restructure the groups and integrate them into Iraq's official security institutions.

“October 1 is considered a serious beginning to address the issue of weapons outside state control… according to a clear roadmap and agreed timelines extending no later than June 30, 2027,” Zaidi said in a statement, after having backed away from an initial September 30 deadline.

Groups that will continue to operate under militia names after the deadline "will be deemed outlaws," al-Zaidi said.