Iraq sets September 30 deadline for armed groups to disarm

The announcement comes ahead of Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi's expected visit to Washington in mid-July—his first foreign trip since taking office last month. Al-Zaidi has pledged to bring all weapons under state control, including those held by factions that Washington classifies as "terrorist" organizations, amid increasing U.S. pressure.

Government spokesperson Haider Al-Aboudi said during the weekly press conference, attended by Agence France-Presse (AFP), that "all armed groups have been informed of a specific date that marks the end of this issue... September, which also marks the end of the International Coalition's presence." He added, "After this date, any weapons outside the authority of the state will be subject to legal measures."

A separate government statement quoted Prime Minister Al-Zaidi as reaffirming his commitment to restricting weapons to state control during a meeting with several European Union ambassadors in Iraq.

According to the statement, Al-Zaidi outlined the government's vision for the next phase, including reform programs and development plans, stressing that "restricting weapons to the state is not merely a slogan—it has already begun, and we will continue this policy, especially as September 30 will witness the complete withdrawal of Coalition forces."

The Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) were formed in 2014 from various Iraqi armed groups and were later incorporated into Iraq's official military establishment.

ANHA