Iraq in talks with armed groups to disarm, three factions back plan

The Iraqi government is holding negotiations with armed groups to hand over their weapons according to a set timetable, under a clear plan that Baghdad expects will complete the disarmament process, according to Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein.

Hussein told the Iraqi News Agency (INA) that the government "is negotiating with armed groups to surrender their weapons according to a specific schedule," confirming that "we have a clear plan and expect the groups to hand over their arms," and that most cabinet members agree on this approach.

Speaking to Al Arabiya and Al Hadath, the Iraqi foreign minister added that the government’s plan to control and collect weapons from armed factions extends until next June, aiming for these groups to disarm and integrate into the Iraqi security forces.

He said that three out of seven groups have so far declared support for the plan, with some already starting to hand over their weapons to the armed forces, while two more groups are preparing to announce their backing.

He noted that he expects the Sayyid al-Shuhada Brigades to announce their support for the government plan "tonight or tomorrow," adding that negotiations are ongoing with other factions.

He stressed that the government will proceed with the plan "step by step," saying: "We have a clear goal, the means, and the timetable," emphasizing that the disarmament plan is transparent and will be publicly announced.

On the security front, the foreign minister expressed the government’s hope to establish a "bilateral defense partnership" with the United States, alongside defense cooperation with other countries, revealing an upcoming meeting with officials from the US Treasury and State Departments.

Hussein also affirmed that Iraq maintains strong relations with both the United States and Iran, and that the government is in ongoing contact with both sides as Baghdad seeks to balance its ties with each.

In parallel with security and diplomatic efforts, the Iraqi government has begun talks with Syria, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey to establish a new pipeline aimed at diversifying Iraq’s oil export routes.

According to the foreign minister, the government’s efforts are focused on parallel tracks, including negotiations over armed groups’ weapons, strengthening defense partnerships and foreign relations, and opening new options for oil exports.