Iraqi PM vows to press ahead with arms control despite mounting pressure

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi is resolute in his commitment to strengthening state authority and upholding the rule of law, his spokesman Haider al-Aboudi affirmed on Thursday. Despite mounting pressure from within the ruling Coordination Framework and calls for a more symbolic approach to arms control, the government insists it will proceed with its plan through legal channels.

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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," al-Aboudi told Asharq Al-Awsat. He emphasized that 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.

The government views the weapons issue as a "constitutional principle" to be addressed through institutions and legal channels, considering the country's supreme interests, sovereignty, stability, and international relations. This stance has not eased the pressure on al-Zaidi's administration as it navigates the complex task of consolidating state control over armed factions.

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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 any suggestion of the Prime Minister's resignation, 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 will continue to fulfill its responsibilities and complete the executive measures it has initiated, guided by a clear national vision that strengthens state authority and safeguards unified national decision-making.

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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 approved by parties within the State Administration Coalition. The coalition reaffirmed its support for the measure on August 6, calling for adherence to the established timetable. Any armed activity outside the state's framework after September 30 will be addressed under the counterterrorism law. This initiative aligns with al-Zaidi's pledge during a White House visit on July 14, where he committed to ensuring no faction would bear arms after the deadline, coinciding with the withdrawal of U.S. forces.

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