Iraq Rejects Discussing State Control of Weapons in 'Other Capitals'

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi is set to visit Tehran on Thursday, leading a high-level government delegation for discussions on key bilateral issues including energy, trade, transportation, and agriculture.

However, the Iraqi government has firmly stated that the contentious issue of bringing all weapons under state control will not be part of the agenda. Government spokesperson Haider al-Aboudi emphasized that this is "an Iraqi sovereign matter" and a "national decision" that will be handled internally, not in "other capitals."

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bringing weapons under state control is an Iraqi sovereign matter that is not discussed in other capitals.

This diplomatic engagement with Iran comes shortly after al-Zaidi's visit to the United States, highlighting Iraq's strategic effort to balance its relationships with both Washington and Tehran amid escalating regional tensions. The visit aims to foster cooperation in various economic sectors, with gas also slated for discussion "in line with Iraq’s interests."

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It requires taking control of the weapons, cataloging them and then restructuring the brigades and regiments so they do not remain a single unified body.

Despite local reports suggesting al-Zaidi might seek Iran's influence in pressuring armed factions to surrender missiles and drones before a September deadline, the government's official statements have ruled out any discussion of security or military matters with Iranian officials. The prime minister has made bringing weapons under state control a central pledge of his government, advocating for legal channels and dialogue to maintain domestic stability.

However, experts express skepticism about the government's ability to achieve this goal. Researcher Saif al-Saadi suggests that some factions' agreement to the move might be a temporary tactic to avoid confrontation with the U.S. administration. Academic Abbas Abboud believes that while armed clashes are unlikely, the government will likely continue to rely on dialogue to bring weapons under state control.

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the government would continue to rely on “dialogue as a possible means of bringing weapons under state control.”