Iraq PM Pushes for New Law to Restrict Weapons to State Control
BAGHDAD — Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi has ordered the preparation of a draft law to place all weapons under exclusive state control, warning that unauthorized arms pose the greatest threat to the country’s stability.
In meetings with the parliamentary Security and Defense Committee, al-Zaidi described unauthorized weapons as the “greatest threat to the state” because they undermine the rule of law and weaken security institutions. The move comes as Baghdad seeks to consolidate state authority over armed forces—a longstanding challenge involving Iran-aligned factions and other groups operating alongside official security institutions.
The push for legislation is tied to a broader security transition. September 30 is the deadline for both the withdrawal of the US-led anti-ISIS coalition forces from Iraq and for pro-Iran armed factions to lay down their weapons. October 1 will mark a new chapter for the state, with no foreign military presence on Iraqi soil and weapons held solely by state institutions. Al-Zaidi stressed that imposing a state monopoly over weapons “according to the law, protects everyone and bolsters the authority and sovereignty of the state.”
Legal expert Ali al-Tamimi told Asharq Al-Awsat that the Iraqi constitution stipulates military and security forces must be under civilian authority and bars the formation of militias outside state frameworks. However, the greatest challenge lies in “defining the concept of weapons.” Armed factions view their arms as part of a “resistance” consistent with the Popular Mobilization Forces law, while the state sees these weapons as outside its authority and in need of control.
The bill faces significant political hurdles. Iran-backed armed factions and political parties are heavily represented in parliament, making passage difficult. Only three groups have announced their integration into security forces, while others are resisting. Sources have warned that the initiative may lead to confrontation with factions refusing to lay down their weapons.
The government has already begun implementing measures to bring arms under control, including opening firearms registration offices and shutting down 71 unauthorized PMF offices. Authorities have established a December 31 deadline for weapons registration, after which unregistered arms holders will be treated as outside the law.
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