Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Al-Falih Al-Zaydi pledged to restrict weapon ownership to the state and combat corruption during a meeting in Baghdad [1].

This initiative represents a critical effort to stabilize the Iraqi government by reducing the influence of non-state armed groups. By centering security within official state institutions, the administration aims to curb illicit violence and establish a more consistent application of the law across the country.

The commitments were made on May 14, 2026 [2], during a gathering with tribal sheikhs and prominent community figures. Al-Zaydi said the importance of supporting tribal leaders is a pillar of the state since its founding [3].

"We are committed to restricting weapons to the hands of the state, enhancing the rule of law, and combating corruption," Al-Zaydi said [4].

The Prime Minister described the consolidation of weaponry as a primary objective for his new government. He said the plan is designed to ensure that the authority of the law is not violated by unauthorized armed actors [5].

"I will work to implement the plan to restrict weapons to the state to ensure that the authority of the law is not violated," Al-Zaydi said [6].

Beyond security measures, the Prime Minister's agenda includes a comprehensive project to fight systemic corruption [1]. He said these combined efforts, limiting arms and purging corruption, are essential for the long-term sovereignty of the nation [3].

"Restricting weapons to the state is one of the priorities of our new government," Al-Zaydi said [7].

“"We are committed to restricting weapons to the hands of the state, enhancing the rule of law, and combating corruption."”

The focus on 'restricting weapons to the state' highlights the ongoing struggle in Iraq to transition from a landscape of fragmented militias to a centralized security apparatus. By engaging tribal leaders—who often wield significant local power and maintain their own armories—Al-Zaydi is attempting to build a social consensus for disarmament. The success of this policy will likely depend on whether the state can provide sufficient security guarantees to these groups in exchange for their cooperation.