Iraq is confident it can bring weapons held by armed groups under state control by June 30, 2027, Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein said as the country entered a new phase following the withdrawal of US-led coalition forces.
Speaking in Washington on October 1, Mr Hussein said Baghdad had a clear plan, resources and timetable to disarm armed factions and integrate them into Iraq’s security institutions. The deadline had initially been linked to the September 30 end of the international coalition’s mission but was subsequently extended to June next year.
The process faces challenges from powerful Iran-aligned groups, some of which have resisted handing over their weapons or committing to a fixed timetable. Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi has nevertheless described October 1 as the beginning of a structured process aimed at ending weapons outside state control.
The move is part of Baghdad’s broader effort to reinforce state authority and ensure that decisions on war and peace remain with constitutional institutions. The success of the initiative will depend on negotiations between the government and armed factions during the coming months.
