Iraq sets June 30 as deadline to bring arms under state control

Members of Saraya al-Salam attend a ceremony in Samarra on June 4, 2026, marking their integration into Iraq’s security forces. Photo: AFP Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi has set June 30, 2027, as the deadline to bring the weapons of armed factions under state control, announcing that October 1 marks a serious beginning to address the issue of unauthorized weaponry. Al-Zaidi said in a statement that the Iraqi government is working according to a defined plan and agreed-upon timelines to resolve the arms issue, with the deadline set for no later than June 30, 2027, the state-run Iraqi News Agency (INA) reported. The prime minister’s remarks take place a day after the conclusion of the international coalition’s mission in Iraq and the withdrawal of its forces. According to al-Zaidi, the Iraqi constitution limits war and peace choices to Iraqi authorities and prohibits any military activity outside of the national framework. The Iraqi government would work to disarm all non-Iraqi armed groups present on Iraqi soil to maintain the country’s stability as well as border security, according to al-Zaidi. Al-Zaidi noted that Baghdad is committed to preventing the use of Iraqi territory and airspace to launch attacks or threaten the security of neighboring countries. The announcement is part of a phased plan to bring arms under state control, beginning with a 90-day preparatory period followed by the gradual handover of weapons, with the entire process scheduled for completion by June 30, 2027. The prime minister stated that the conclusion of the international coalition’s mission marks the beginning of a new phase for Iraq, calling for state resources to be directed toward development and service improvements. The plan to control weapons is part of Baghdad’s efforts to reorganize the relationship between armed factions and state institutions. This initiative is taking place amid ongoing discussions focused on transferring weapons and incorporating faction members into state security agencies.