Iraq's September 30 weapons deadline meets resistance from Iran-backed factions

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq is preparing for a September 30 deadline to bring weapons under state control, but conditions set by Iran-backed factions indicate they are unwilling to fully hand over arms, according to an analysis by the London-based outlet Amwaj Media. The Sad al-Suhad Brigades, an Iran-aligned group, published ten conditions on August 29 in which their spokesman Kazim Fartusi said disarmament would not proceed while the U.S. military presence and other infringements on Iraqi sovereignty continued. His language echoed earlier statements from Badr Organization leader Hadi al-Amiri, who on August 30 avoided the phrase "hand over weapons" and instead framed the process as "regulation," stressing that the decision rests entirely with Iraq. The analysis said al-Amiri's wording reflects the brigades' conditions and reaffirms the legal position of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) as part of the regular armed forces. It noted that the factions have rejected a U.S. proposal to freeze missile capabilities and warned that Washington could pursue new military operations on Iraqi soil if the deadline is missed. The piece projected that the likely outcome would involve reframing the process as "regulation" rather than "surrender" in order to preserve the standing of all sides. It said the real test will be how any slippage from the September 30 timetable is managed within Baghdad's Shia political leadership.