Iraqi PM reaffirms state monopoly on arms as paramilitary groups join integration

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani has reiterated the Iraqi government's commitment to placing weapons under exclusive state control, a process his office says is being pursued with determination. Speaking on Wednesday, Sudani said the government is focused on consolidating security and stability, strengthening Iraq's sovereignty and safeguarding independent national decision-making. The prime minister thanked political forces that back stability, reform and development, saying their cooperation reinforces national unity and lays the groundwork for Iraq's future. The Coordination Framework, an alliance of Shia political parties, has authorized Sudani to take the necessary measures to advance the arms-control agenda and protect the country's higher interests. As part of the integration effort, the government announced that Saraya al-Salam, the movement affiliated with cleric Moqtada al-Sadr, has been brought into state structures. The Asaib Ahl al-Haq group and the Imam Ali Battalions said they have begun submitting their weapons and personnel inventories to the Chief of Staff and are now operating under the defense hierarchy. The framework also supports separating the Popular Mobilization Forces from political, partisan and social structures.