Iran pressures Iraqi factions over disarmament as groups issue demands

Sources told Al Arabiya that Iraq’s weapons control committee has received a list of demands from armed factions regarding the process of handing over their weapons.

The sources added that the Iraqi government has presented several points to the factions as part of its efforts to regulate and control weapons in the country.

The sources also indicated that Iran is pressuring Iraqi factions not to surrender their weapons, as the government seeks to ensure all arms are under state control.

These negotiations have gained added significance as the September 30 deadline approaches for ending the international coalition’s mission. Iraqi officials have reiterated their commitment to strengthening security institutions and ensuring the central government assumes full control of security after the withdrawal.

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Faleh Al-Zaydi has confirmed that September 30 is a “firm and final” date for ending the coalition’s military mission and completing the departure of its forces. October 1 will mark the start of a new phase with no foreign military presence in the country.

A US official also stated that Washington expects the withdrawal to be completed by the same date.

Sabah Al-Numan, spokesperson for the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, said the September 30 deadline is final for ending the coalition’s mission, and that the withdrawal is accelerating daily alongside plans to boost the Iraqi forces’ ability to manage security.

However, the issue of armed factions’ weapons remains one of the main challenges ahead. The Associated Press has reported that several powerful armed groups still refuse to disarm or are setting conditions, while the government seeks to bring all armed formations under central state command.