Iran Proposes Averting Iraq Faction Confrontation Over Weapons

Iran is actively seeking to mediate a potential confrontation between the Iraqi government and Tehran-aligned armed factions over the control of weapons. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf traveled to Baghdad carrying Iranian proposals aimed at averting a clash as a Sept. 30 disarmament deadline approaches.

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freezing

These proposals reportedly include "freezing" or concealing heavy weapons, and potentially transferring a significant portion to Iran temporarily until a political resolution is found for the factions' arsenals. The specifics remain unconfirmed by either Tehran or the Iraqi government.

The Iraqi government, however, maintains its resolve to meet the deadline for bringing all weapons under state control. This date also marks the completion of the U.S. troop withdrawal from Iraq. Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi has reaffirmed this stance, supported by the State Administration Coalition.

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determined to respect its deadlines

Despite government efforts, including forming a committee for disengagement and creating a weapons database, some armed factions, notably Kataib Hezbollah, have rejected handing over their "resistance weapons." Tensions are rising, evidenced by increasingly sharp statements and threats directed at the prime minister, indicating the mounting pressure surrounding the weapons-control plan.

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don’t play with the big boys