Iraq pushes for weapons monopoly amid reforms, but militia control remains a question

Iraq's new leadership, under Prime Minister-designate Ali al-Zaidi, is signaling a strong push for state control over all weaponry, a move intended to rein in the influence of powerful Iran-backed militias. This initiative aims to establish a government monopoly on arms, a stance officials describe as a matter of "absolute sovereignty."

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that the issue of restricting weapons to the state and dismantling any armed movements outside the framework of the law is an existential issue that is not open to compromise.

Sabah al-Numan, spokesman for the Iraqi Armed Forces commander-in-chief, declared on Saturday that restricting weapons to the state and dismantling armed movements operating outside the law is an "existential issue that is not open to compromise." He further stated that the Iraqi state has moved beyond reactive measures to a phase of "strategic deterrence and imposing absolute sovereignty," suggesting a decisive shift in security policy. These statements are presented as a practical translation of new security arrangements and understandings with regional countries.

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Everyone must realize that the Iraqi state, with its military and security institutions, has completely left the stage of reaction and moved entirely to the stage of strategic deterrence and imposing absolute sovereignty.

However, the effectiveness of these pronouncements remains uncertain. The militias have not yet disarmed, mirroring patterns seen across the Middle East where Iranian proxy groups often resist disarmament. While Iraqi officials claim they will close loopholes that weaken the rule of law and assert new technologies like thermal imaging cameras at borders, the specific actions against Iran-backed militias, which are technically state-backed paramilitaries, are not clearly defined. The government's commitment to enforcing this "monopoly on weapons" will be a critical test of its ability to assert control and fulfill its reform pledges.

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the government’s position here is decisive and does not allow for any interpretation; the issue of restricting weapons is in the hands of the state, and dismantling any armed movements outside the framework and guardianship of the joint military command is an existential issue and a sovereign constant that is not subject to compromise or circumvention under any name.