Iraqi prime minister reaffirms commitment to sovereignty, vows Iraq will not be a staging ground

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi has reiterated that Iraq will not serve as a platform to harm others, stressing the government's commitment to building a fully sovereign state that guarantees respect, security, and the protection of resources and future generations.

Speaking at a celebration marking the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday, Al-Zaidi said Iraqis will announce the completion of their sovereignty over all Iraqi territory on September 30. He noted that ongoing regional tensions have led to divisions among countries.

He added that the government’s program focuses on development, reform, fighting corruption, and fostering a productive work environment, while ensuring security institutions operate under the constitution.

The prime minister also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to civil peace and the rule of law.

Al-Zaidi further emphasized his adherence to the principles of combating corruption, ensuring that weapons remain under state control, and avoiding involvement in regional or international blocs.

He pointed out that the final deadline for the withdrawal of international coalition forces from Iraq is September 30, coinciding with ongoing efforts to collect weapons from armed factions.

Al-Zaidi is currently negotiating with five armed groups—Harakat al-Nujaba, Kataib Sayyid al-Shuhada, Kataib Hezbollah Iraq, Saraya Awliya al-Dam, and Ashab al-Kahf—to hand over their weapons.

Three major factions—Saraya al-Salam led by Muqtada al-Sadr, Asaib Ahl al-Haq, and Kataib Imam Ali led by Shibl al-Zaidi—have already surrendered their weapons to the state and announced their transition to civil activities.