Al-Zaidi: October 1 Marks Serious Start to Addressing Weapons Outside State Control

Iraqi PM's media office

Iraq Moves to Address Weapons Outside State Control and Strengthen Air Defence.

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi said on Thursday that October 1 marks a serious start to addressing the issue of weapons outside state control, confirming that the government will move forward with procuring a comprehensive air defence system and enacting legislation governing the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF).

In a statement, Al-Zaidi congratulated the Iraqi people on what he described as a significant national occasion, marking the conclusion of the Global Coalition’s mission in Iraq, the complete withdrawal of its forces by land, air and sea, and the achievement of what he called full and comprehensive Iraqi sovereignty.

He said achieving comprehensive national sovereignty represented a major milestone of which all Iraqis could be proud. He attributed this achievement to what he described as the role of the Supreme Religious Authority, which called on Iraqis to defend their country through the *Jihad al-Kifa'i* (Sufficiency Jihad) fatwa.

According to Al-Zaidi, the call was embraced by large sections of the Iraqi population and armed groups, which, alongside the Iraqi security forces, played a key role in confronting ISIS during the difficult period the country experienced.

He said October 1, 2026, would mark a serious beginning in addressing the issue of weapons outside state control and fulfilling constitutional obligations, based on a clear roadmap and agreed timelines extending no later than June 30, 2027.

Al-Zaidi stressed that the process would adhere to the constitutional principle that decisions on war and peace rest exclusively with the constitutional authorities, with any military action outside that framework prohibited.

He added that the government would work, in accordance with the Constitution, to fully disarm all non-Iraqi armed groups operating on Iraqi territory, with the aim of protecting the country’s security and stability and ensuring full control over its borders.

The Prime Minister also reaffirmed the government’s constitutional commitment to preventing Iraqi territory and airspace from being used as a launchpad or transit route for actions threatening neighbouring countries.

At the same time, he said Iraq rejected the use of the territory or airspace of other countries to launch attacks against Iraq, stressing the principles of mutual sovereignty, good neighbourliness and non-interference in internal affairs.

Al-Zaidi said the government would also strengthen Iraq’s security institutions by procuring a comprehensive air defence system to reinforce the country’s air sovereignty.

He further confirmed that legislation governing the Popular Mobilisation Forces would be enacted to formalise their status within Iraq’s security apparatus as an integral component operating under the command of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.

The Prime Minister said that, as Iraq brings to an end a prolonged period of wars, the fight against terrorism and violations of national sovereignty, the country is entering a new phase following the heavy sacrifices made by Iraqis.

He said the new phase would focus on strengthening national sovereignty, civil peace and stability, directing state resources towards sustainable development, improving living standards and public services, and building a secure and stable future for future generations.

Al-Zaidi concluded by saying that October 1 marks the beginning of a new chapter in Iraq’s history as a fully sovereign state, with strong institutions governed by the Constitution, the law and the principles of international law, and open to its regional and international surroundings through balanced relations based on mutual interests and respect.


PUKMEDIA