Several powerful Iranian-backed militia groups in Iraq are reportedly preparing to disarm for the first time, responding to growing pressure from the U.S. under President Donald Trump to avert a wider conflict,

Several powerful Iranian-backed militia groups in Iraq are prepared to disarm to avert the threat of an escalating conflict with the Trump administration, 10 senior commanders and Iraqi officials told Reuters.

In response to warnings from US officials of looming air attacks by US forces, the leaders of four of the largest Iran-backed militia groups operating in Iraq told Reuters on Monday that they were prepared to surrender their weapons to Iraqi government authorities.

Iran and the United States will hold talks in the sultanate of Oman on Saturday in an attempt to jump-start negotiations over Tehran’s rapidly advancing nuclear program.

Tensions between the US and Iran are escalating ahead of key nuclear talks in Oman. Iran is considering an interim deal but has also threatened to expel UN nuclear inspectors, drawing a sharp response from Washington.

As Trump claims direct talks with Iran will be held on Saturday, Iran says the talks will be indirect and will take place in Oman.