Expert Says US Withdrawal Could Strengthen State Control of Arms in Iraq

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Security expert Sadik Abdullah said on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, that the withdrawal of American forces from Iraq is one of the most important factors in efforts to keep weapons under state control. Abdullah said the withdrawal could ease concerns and strengthen the ground for limiting arms to state supervision alone. He described the question of bringing weapons under state control as one of Iraq’s most complex and sensitive issues for years. He said the Sadrist Movement, Asaib Ahl al-Haq and the Imam Ali Brigades had separated their ties from structures inside the Popular Mobilization Forces, which he said showed support from the three Shiite forces for the project. Abdullah added that the situation for the remaining groups was different, but said steps toward removing US forces would make the picture clearer. He also said the government and political forces have direct channels of communication with the groups on the issue.