Analyst warns Iraq risks political cost, diplomatic isolation over arms policy reversal

Ihsan Al-Shammari, head of the Center for Political Thinking, has warned of the consequences if Iraq reverses its policy of restricting weapons to state control, stressing that such a move could lead to significant political costs and looming diplomatic isolation, especially amid a shift in the US stance toward Baghdad.

Speaking to Al Arabiya FM, Al-Shammari said the US position has changed due to some Iraqi parties stepping back from the commitment to keep arms solely in state hands. He noted that various statements and sources confirm there is no set timeline to resolve this issue.

He added that the Iraqi prime minister is under pressure from the Coordination Framework, armed factions, and Iran, which he said has imposed a "veto" on restricting weapons to the Iraqi state.

Al-Shammari emphasized that continued backtracking on arms control will have consequences for Iraq, stating, "Iraq's reversal on restricting weapons to state control will come at a high cost and likely diplomatic isolation."

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Al-Shammari's remarks come as sources told Al Arabiya on Monday that the United States has informed the Iraqi government of the need to complete the process of restricting weapons and to prevent armed factions from launching attacks on neighboring countries.

The sources added that Washington has hinted at possible measures against Iraq if it fails to address the arms issue and stop factions from attacking neighboring states, and has also signaled potential actions related to dollar shipments to Iraq if no progress is made.

According to the sources, Iraq has told the US side it will address the weapons issue through carefully considered steps.