Iraq Continues Dialogue with Armed Factions over State Monopoly on Weapons

Qasim al-Araji's Facebook Page

Qasim al-Araji, Security Adviser to the Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi.

Qasim al-Araji, Security Adviser to the Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, has reaffirmed that dialogue with armed factions over placing all weapons under state control is ongoing, confirming that Peshmerga weapons fall within the framework of the Iraqi Constitution.

In an interview with Al Jazeera, al-Araji said the factions are currently committed to refraining from carrying out any actions against neighbouring countries or within Iraq. He stressed the government’s determination to resolve issues that could harm Iraq or its neighbours.

He said the prospects for progress would improve after the U.S.-led Global Coalition against ISIS completes its mission on 30 September, predicting that dialogue with the factions would then become more serious in efforts to bring weapons under the control of state institutions.

Al-Araji clarified that the coalition’s withdrawal would not mark the end of relations between Iraq and the United States, noting that intelligence sharing and security cooperation between Baghdad and Washington would continue.

Regarding the weapons held by the Peshmerga forces, al-Araji said they fall within the framework of the Iraqi Constitution. He stressed that the disarmament decision applies to armed groups operating outside the constitutional framework and state institutions.

He also said Iraq maintains good relations with both Iran and the United States and seeks to play a role in facilitating dialogue between the two sides and helping reach understandings that serve the interests of the region.

Al-Araji stressed that safeguarding Iraq’s national interests would remain the government’s top priority.

Iraq is continuing high-stakes negotiations with armed factions as the government seeks to establish a state monopoly on weapons ahead of a 30 September 2026 deadline.

Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi’s government is seeking to bring all military arsenals under the authority of state institutions, with the process coinciding with the planned transition of the US-led international coalition’s military mission in Iraq.

The talks are part of broader efforts to consolidate the state’s control over weapons while addressing security and political concerns surrounding armed groups operating outside official state structures.



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