Iraq moves to consolidate state control over weapons

Iraq is taking significant steps to assert state authority over weaponry, with several Shiite armed factions announcing the dismantling of their military wings. These groups, previously operating with considerable autonomy despite being part of the official Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), are now aligning with the government's push for a weapons monopoly.

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We underscored the importance of supporting the government’s efforts to ensure that arms remain exclusively under state authority.

The ruling Shiite Coordination Framework officially tasked Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi with implementing measures to "preserve the country’s supreme interests." This directive includes enforcing a state monopoly on arms and disengaging the PMF from political and societal frameworks. The Framework, a coalition of Shiite parties and armed groups with ties to Iran, emphasized that decisions on war and peace are sovereign and exclusively controlled by Iraq's constitutional institutions.

This decision implicitly rejects actions taken by some factions, such as attacks without government referral, which were deemed "illegal and unconstitutional." The statement also clarified that the PMF is an official institution bound by the constitution and the commander-in-chief's orders. The U.S. Embassy welcomed the Framework's statement, viewing it as a positive step toward consolidating Iraq's independence and sovereignty.

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We also welcomed the Coordination Framework’s position on this issue and its contribution to strengthening stability, reinforcing state authority, and upholding the rule of law.

U.S. Embassy Chargé d'Affaires Joshua Harris met with Iraq’s National Security Advisor Qassim al-Araji, who reiterated the importance of supporting the government's efforts to ensure arms remain exclusively under state authority. Both officials welcomed the Coordination Framework's stance, highlighting its contribution to stability, state authority, and the rule of law. Iraq reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful approaches in resolving crises, adhering to international law and diplomatic norms to promote regional and international peace.

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We reaffirmed Iraq’s steadfast commitment to peaceful approaches in addressing crises and conflicts, in accordance with international law and diplomatic norms, in a manner that promotes regional and international peace and stability.