Iraq sets September 30 deadline for armed factions to hand over missiles under new deal

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's framework for bringing arms under state control has moved into a new phase, with a deadline of September 30, 2026 for armed factions to hand over their missiles to the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), according to a source within the Coordination Framework. Under the agreement, the PMF will be the sole official body responsible for registering and storing the weapons. The framework also covers the registration of weapons depots and the cataloguing of weapon types and quantities, with all movements carried out under the orders of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. Factions that refuse to surrender their arms after the deadline will face the start of a weapons distribution process. The State Administration Alliance reiterated at its latest meeting that weapons should remain only with official state institutions. Iraqi security forces have raised their alert level in anticipation of possible developments, with leave for some commanders canceled. Further details on the implementation timeline and the scope of the registration effort were not immediately available.