Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Fadhil al-Zeidi said the government will keep all weapons under state control to strengthen national power [1].
The move represents a critical effort to consolidate authority in Baghdad by eliminating non-state armed groups. Establishing a state monopoly on force is seen as a prerequisite for stabilizing the region and ensuring long-term security.
Speaking during a cabinet meeting of the Council of Ministers in Baghdad, al-Zeidi said that restricting weapons to the state is the path of his government [1]. He linked this security policy to broader governance goals, including the recovery of public funds, and the reduction of Iraq's debt burden [2].
The prime minister said that these efforts are part of a comprehensive agenda to combat corruption and reinforce the power of the state [2]. By ensuring that only official security forces possess weaponry, the administration aims to reduce the influence of irregular militias and strengthen the rule of law.
Other high-level officials have echoed this sentiment. President Nizar Amidi said that efforts are ongoing to reach an understanding regarding the restriction of weapons [3]. This suggests a coordinated approach between the presidency and the prime minister's office to manage the transition of power.
The government's strategy integrates security with economic reform. Al-Zeidi said the goal is to create a secure environment that allows for the effective recovery of stolen assets and the management of national debt [2]. This holistic approach suggests that the administration views the presence of unregulated weapons as a barrier to economic stability.
While the government has reaffirmed its commitment to this path, the practical implementation of weapon confiscation remains a complex challenge in Iraq. The administration continues to push for a framework where the state remains the sole legitimate holder of military force [1].
“"Restricting weapons to the state is the path of our government,"”
This policy signals an attempt by the Iraqi government to transition from a fragmented security landscape toward a centralized state model. By linking weapon control to anti-corruption and debt reduction, the administration is framing the disarmament of non-state actors not just as a security necessity, but as an economic imperative for national recovery.
