Iraqi Prime Minister Sets June 30, 2027 Deadline to End Militias' Weapon Monopoly
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Idi announced on Thursday that October 1 marks the beginning of a serious effort to address the issue of weapons outside state control, while affirming that the government will proceed with purchasing a complete air defense system and legislating the Popular Mobilization Forces law.
In a statement received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), al-Idi said: “We congratulate the Iraqi people on this great day, October 1, 2026, and on this major national achievement: the conclusion of the international coalition’s mission in Iraq and the complete and final withdrawal of its forces (by land, air, and sea), thereby realizing Iraq’s full and comprehensive sovereignty.”
He clarified that “achieving comprehensive national sovereignty is a great national achievement proud of by all Iraqians, made possible by the grace of God and the prominent and crucial role of the Supreme Religious Authority, which mobilized the conscience of Iraqis to defend their country through the fatwa of obligatory defensive jihad. This fatwa was embraced by our loyal masses and influential forces among the Iraqi people, forming the core of the resistance led by loyalists and factions that played a role in launching the fight against ISIS, alongside all armed forces. These entities fulfilled their roles during all the difficult stages our beloved nation has endured.”
He pointed out that “October 1, 2026, marks the beginning of a serious effort to address the issue of weapons outside state control and to commit to constitutional obligations, according to a clear roadmap and agreed-upon timelines not exceeding June 30, 2027. This is in line with the constitutional principle that the decision on war and peace rests with constitutional authorities, and any military action contrary to this is prohibited.” He noted that “the government, in accordance with the Constitution, will work to fully disarm all non-Iraqi armed groups present on Iraqi territory, thereby safeguarding the country’s security, stability, and border integrity.”
He added that “the Iraqi government reaffirms its constitutional commitment to preventing the use of Iraqi land and airspace as a launchpad or transit route for any action that threatens the security of neighboring countries. It also rejects the use of any country’s land or airspace to attack Iraq, based on the principles of mutual sovereignty, good neighborliness, and non-interference in internal affairs.” He emphasized that “the government will proceed to support security institutions by purchasing a complete air defense system to enhance Iraq’s full air sovereignty, and will legislate the Popular Mobilization Forces law to solidify its position within the security apparatus as an integral part under the command of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.”
He affirmed that “as Iraq concludes this long phase of wars, confrontation with terrorism, and violations of national sovereignty—accompanied by significant sacrifices paid with the precious blood of innocent Iraqis—it looks forward to a new phase aimed at achieving full national sovereignty, strengthening national cohesion, stability, and prosperity, and directing the state’s capabilities and resources toward sustainable development, improving citizens’ lives, providing necessary services, and building a secure and stable future for coming generations.”
He stressed that “October 1 represents the beginning of a new stage in Iraq’s journey as a fully sovereign state, strong in its institutions, governed by the Constitution, the rule of law, and the principles of international law, and open to its regional and international environment through balanced relations based on shared interests and mutual respect.”
