Iraqi PM Ali al-Zaidi to Remain in Office Amid Pressure on Arms Control

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi is resolute in his position and has no intention of resigning, even as political factions intensify pressure regarding the government's push to bring weapons under state control. The administration firmly asserts that this issue is a constitutional principle to be handled through established legal processes.

“

Al-Zaidi pledged to the Iraqi people in the government’s statement to press ahead with strengthening state authority and upholding the rule of law.

"Al-Zaidi pledged to the Iraqi people in the government’s statement to press ahead with strengthening state authority and upholding the rule of law," stated Haider al-Aboudi, the prime minister’s spokesman. He emphasized that the government has taken "substantive and important steps" toward integrating arms control within state authority and remains committed to the process, prioritizing Iraq's sovereignty and national interests. Al-Aboudi reiterated that the government views the weapons issue as "a constitutional principle to be addressed through institutions and legal channels in light of the country’s supreme interests, sovereignty, stability, and international relations."

Despite these assurances, the government faces significant opposition. Sources indicate that parties within the ruling Coordination Framework are urging a retreat from the current plans. This pressure appears partly influenced by Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf's call to transform the arms control drive into a "merely symbolic project."

“

The government has taken substantive and important steps toward bringing weapons under state control and remains committed to completing the process in line with Iraq’s sovereignty and national interests.

Al-Aboudi dismissed the notion of resignation as a response to the mounting pressure, stating, "Resignation has never been, and will never be, a means of dealing with the issue of bringing weapons under state control." He vowed that the Iraqi government would continue its responsibilities and implement executive measures under a "clear national vision that strengthens state authority and safeguards unified national decision-making and Iraq’s supreme interests."

“

The Iraqi government will continue to carry out its responsibilities and complete the executive measures it has begun, under a clear national vision that strengthens state authority and safeguards unified national decision-making and Iraq’s supreme interests.

Bringing all weapons under state control was a key commitment agreed upon by parties within the State Administration Coalition. The coalition reaffirmed its support for the measure on August 6, setting a post-September 30 deadline after which any armed activity outside state control would be prosecuted under the counterterrorism law. Prime Minister al-Zaidi had previously pledged during a White House visit on July 14 that no faction would be permitted to bear arms in Iraq after this deadline, which coincides with the withdrawal of U.S. forces. Several groups, including Saraya al-Salam, Asaib Ahl al-Haq, and Kataib al-Imam Ali, have reportedly joined the process, though resistance from other factions within the Popular Mobilization Forces is noted.

“

Resignation has never been, and will never be, a means of dealing with the issue of bringing weapons under state control.