Iraq sets September 2026 deadline to bring arms under state control

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's political leaders have set a September 30, 2026 deadline to consolidate weapons under state control, a timeline backed by the State Administration coalition that includes Shiite, Sunni and Kurdish factions. The framework has drawn mixed reactions from armed groups affiliated with the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), with some calling for dialogue and others, including Kataib Hezbollah, insisting on preserving their military capabilities. Kataib Hezbollah issued a sharp statement addressed to Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani, setting three conditions: the full withdrawal of U.S. forces, the departure of the Turkish military from northern Iraq, and the disbanding of the Peshmerga. The group did not signal acceptance of the new arms timeline. State of Law coalition leader Nouri al-Maliki said the committee tasked with centralizing arms will coordinate with the government. Badr Organization chief Hadi al-Amiri urged restraint, while former legislator Arif al-Hammami, calling the file "sensitive," proposed integrating the factions into the PMF structure. Baghdad officials said the president, prime minister, parliament speaker and head of the Supreme Judicial Council met on August 17-18 and reaffirmed their commitment to bringing weapons under state authority. No further details on enforcement mechanisms were immediately available.