Iraq extends the deadline for inventorying the factions' weapons to June 30

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Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi set a deadline of June 30, 2027, to end the issue of restricting the weapons of groups close to Iran to the Iraqi state, in an announcement that came the day after the end of the mission of the international coalition led by Washington to fight armed groups.

Al-Zaidi said, "October 1, 2026 is a serious beginning to address the issue of weapons outside the control of the state, and commitment to constitutional entitlements, in accordance with a clear road map and agreed upon timetables that do not exceed June 30, 2027, and in accordance with the constitutional principle of leaving the decision on war and peace to the constitutional authorities, and preventing any military action otherwise."

Continuing, "The government will work, in accordance with the constitution, to completely disarm all non-Iraqi armed groups present on Iraqi territory, in a way that preserves the country's security and stability and controls its borders."

He continued, "The Iraqi government affirms its constitutional commitment to prevent the use of Iraqi lands and airspace as a starting point or corridor for any action that threatens the security of neighboring countries. It also rejects the use of any country's lands or airspace to attack Iraq, based on the principles of mutual sovereignty, good neighborliness, and non-interference in internal affairs."

Pointing out that "the government will begin supporting security institutions by purchasing the complete air defense system, to enhance the complete air sovereignty of the Iraqi state."

He stressed that "Iraq is looking forward to a new phase to achieve full national sovereignty, enhance civil peace, stability and prosperity, direct the state's capabilities and resources towards sustainable development, improve the lives of citizens, provide the necessary services, and build a safe and stable future for future generations."

This statement comes after the end of the previous government’s deadline for the factions to hand over their weapons, on Wednesday, September 30.