Shafaq News- Baghdad

Iraq has restored full sovereignty following the end of the Global Coalition’s military mission on September 30, Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi said on Saturday.

In an address marking the National Day of the Republic of Iraq, Al-Zaidi said Iraq now controls its own decisions, territory and airspace, with all weapons under the authority of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.

Read more: Coalition mission ends, factions keep their weapons

Despite regional and international challenges, Baghdad will continue pursuing a balanced foreign policy based on national interests, mutual respect and cooperation with other countries.

On the economy, Al-Zaidi said the government is working to diversify sources of growth, expand international partnerships, strengthen the private sector and create jobs. Iraq is also moving toward program- and performance-based budgeting, linking public spending to measurable results.

The government will continue the One Million Residential Land Plots Initiative and establish the Future Generations Fund, while developing economic cities and advancing the Development Road Project to strengthen Iraq’s role in regional trade, energy and investment.

Al-Zaidi also pledged to continue fighting corruption, protecting public funds and strengthening preventive oversight.

Read more: Iraq's Dawn Crackdown moves from raids to rulings

Reflecting on his time in office, the prime minister said his government had faced successive challenges that required protecting Iraq’s security, sovereignty and independent decision-making from the repercussions of conflict in the region.

The address also marked Iraq’s National Day, observed annually on October 3. Al-Zaidi recalled Iraq’s emergence as an independent state more than nine decades ago, its membership in the League of Nations and role in founding the United Nations, while also pointing to the post-2003 political system, the sacrifices made to preserve democratic governance and the adoption of a permanent Constitution guaranteeing the peaceful transfer of power.

Read more: Al-Zaidi at 100 days: Iraq's toughest tests still ahead

Shafaq News- Najaf

Iraq is moving todiversify its arms suppliers and has no restrictions on purchasing weapons fromany major country, Deputy Chairman of Parliament’s Security and DefenseCommittee told Shafaq News on Saturday.

Speaking on thesidelines of a seminar organized by the Sadiqoun Movement’s Political Forum inNajaf, Ahmed Kain Al-Khazali said Iraq “is not at odds with any country today,”adding that all are allies and Baghdad deals with them on equal terms. Thechoice of weapons depends on how advanced they are and whether they meet Iraq’sdefense needs. “We inspect facilities and assess the advanced defensecapabilities countries possess. If they are suitable, we buy them.”

Iraq needs airdefense systems capable of detecting and engaging targets, along with thermalcameras with ranges of 12 to 18 kilometers.

Read more: Iraq celebrate army’s 105th anniversary with military college graduation

Shafaq News- Baghdad

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi called for resolvingoutstanding issues, including completing the cabinet and weapons control,during a meeting with leaders of the Coordination Framework (CF), an informedsource told Shafaq News on Saturday.

Al-Zaidi also called for continued support for thefour-member committee negotiating with armed factions to reach a finalagreement on handing over their weapons to the Popular Mobilization Forces(PMF) Commission within the agreed timelines, the source said.

During the meeting, the prime minister reviewed key issuesdiscussed with the US administration during his recent visit to Washington,along with the potential economic, political and security consequences for Iraqif those matters remain unresolved.

Political forces awaiting government posts have submittedlists of ministerial candidates to Al-Zaidi, pending agreement among Sunni andKurdish parties on their nominees before a parliamentary session is scheduledto vote on the candidates as a single package, including the deputy primeminister posts.

The CF set June 30, 2027, as the agreed deadline forimplementing the constitutional provision on weapons regulation during ameeting on Friday.

Read more: Iraq signs 63 foreign deals under Al-Zaidi, but analysts doubt delivery

Shafaq News- Baghdad

The State of Law Coalition (SLC),led by former Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki, has formally nominated YasserSakhil for Iraq’s interior minister, an informed source told Shafaq News onSaturday.

The coalition also nominated HaiderBaha, currently dean of the College of Pharmacy at Al-Nahrain University, forhigher education minister and submitted both names to Prime Minister AliAl-Zaidi, he added.

Meanwhile, lawmaker Qusay Abbas ofthe Badr parliamentary bloc, affiliated with the Badr Organization led by HadiAl-Amiri, told Shafaq News that political blocs were continuing negotiationsover the remaining cabinet posts, with no date yet set for Parliament to voteon the outstanding nominations. The final choice of candidates, he noted, restswith Al-Zaidi, who must submit their names to lawmakers.

Parliament approved Al-Zaidi’sgovernment and ministerial program on May 14, granting confidence to 14ministers while postponing votes on nine remaining portfolios amid politicaldisagreements over the allocation of ministries.

In September, a government sourcetold Shafaq News that a proposed mechanism would allow the prime minister tosubmit the remaining nominees as a “single package” if political forces failedto agree on candidates or the distribution of ministries.

Shafaq News- Baghdad/ Tehran

Iran’s embassy in Baghdad on Saturday thanked Iraqi PrimeMinister Ali Al-Zaidi for supporting the launch of 40 daily flights by Iranianairlines between the two countries through Najaf International Airport.

The embassy hoped bilateral relations would continue todevelop in the interests of both countries.

نهنئى العراق حكومة و شعبا بيوم السيادة و نشكر دولةرئيس مجلس الوزراء على الزيدى المحترم على دعمه و متابعته لتسییر 40 رحلة يومياً ، لشركات الطيران الإيرانية بين إيران والعراق عبر مطار النجف الأشرف الدولي.على أمل ان تشهد العلاقات تطورا ملحوظا بما يخدم مصلحة الشعبين .#إيران_وعراق

— السفارة الإيرانية - بغداد (@IRAN_in_IRAQ) October 3, 2026

The Iraqi government said on October 2 that it had reachedan agreement allowing Iranian airlines, except Mahan Air, to operate 40 dailyflights to and from Najaf International Airport after Baghdad secured a USexemption.

Read more: US allows Iraqi Airways flights to Iran under strict limits

Shafaq News- Baghdad (Updated at 19:03)

Leaders and governments around the world sentcongratulations to Iraq on Saturday as the country marked its National Day, the94th anniversary of its independence.

Iraq became independent on Oct. 3, 1932, when it wasadmitted to the League of Nations as a sovereign state, ending the Britishmandate over the country. It was the first Arab state to join the League. TheIraqi Cabinet designated Oct. 3 as the country's National Day in 2020, and thedate was later confirmed as a public holiday.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio congratulated the Iraqipeople, highlighting the close ties between Washington and Baghdad and theirshared commitment to a strong and prosperous future.

Referring to Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi’s July visit toWashington and meeting with President Donald Trump, he said the economicpartnerships announced during the visit showed the potential for greatercooperation between American and Iraqi businesses. Rubio also welcomed Iraq’sefforts to strengthen its sovereignty and contribute to security and stabilityin the region.

King Charles III, in a message to Iraqi President NizarAmedi, said he valued the strength of bilateral ties and expressed hope forcontinued cooperation between Iraq and Britain in addressing shared challenges.

رئيس الجمهورية @nizarAmede يتلقى برقية تهنئة من ملك بريطانيا بمناسبة اليوم الوطني:هذه المناسبة تمثل فرصة للتأكيد على عمق الصداقة القائمة بين البلدين.أكد تطلعه إلى استمرار التعاون بين البلدين في مواجهة التحديات المشتركة، ولا سيما ما يتعلق بالمناخ والحفاظ على البيئة. pic.twitter.com/3Wu5WUowqP

— رئاسة جمهورية العراق (@IraqiPresidency) October 3, 2026

Japan’s Emperor Naruhito also congratulated Amedi, wishingthe Iraqi people further progress and prosperity. He highlighted the importanceof strengthening Iraqi-Japanese relations and maintaining cooperation on sharedinterests.

رئيس الجمهورية @nizarAmede يتلقى رسالة تهنئة من إمبراطور اليابان بمناسبة العيد الوطنيأعرب عن أطيب تمنياته للسيد الرئيس بالتوفيق والسداد وللشعب العراقي المزيد من التقدم والازدهار.أكد أهمية تطوير العلاقات بين العراق واليابان، ومواصلة التعاون والتنسيق بما يخدم المصالح المشتركة. pic.twitter.com/KxYF1JYlyO

— رئاسة جمهورية العراق (@IraqiPresidency) October 3, 2026

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in a message to PMAli Al-Zaidi, wished the Iraqi people peace, stability, and prosperity,expressing Kyiv's intention to intensify bilateral dialogue with Iraq.

Sweden’s King Carl XVI Gustaf extended his congratulationsto Amedi, wishing him health and happiness and the Iraqi people continuedprogress and prosperity. He also voiced hope for closer ties and furtherdevelopment of relations between the two countries.

رئيس الجمهورية @nizarAmede يتلقى رسالة تهنئة من ملك السويد بمناسبة العيد الوطنيأطيب تهانيه وتمنياته إلى السيد الرئيس بموفور الصحة والسعادة، وللشعب العراقي بالمزيد من التقدم والازدهار.توطيد العلاقات الثنائية متمنياً استمرار تطورها بما يعزز أواصر الصداقة والتعاون بين البلدين. pic.twitter.com/yVNimzuFSo

— رئاسة جمهورية العراق (@IraqiPresidency) October 3, 2026

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung praised the steadygrowth of cooperation between Seoul and Baghdad, describing their ties asrooted in longstanding friendship and deep trust. He called for Iraq’scontinued progress and prosperity.

رئيس الجمهورية @nizarAmede يتلقى برقية تهنئة من نظيره الكوري الجنوبي بمناسبة العيد الوطنيأشاد خلالها بمستوى تطور علاقات التعاون بين البلدين، على أساس الصداقة الراسخة والثقة العميقة.أعرب عن أمله بأن يواصل العراق تحقيق المزيد من التقدم والازدهار. pic.twitter.com/0hVYgRM7G0

— رئاسة جمهورية العراق (@IraqiPresidency) October 3, 2026

Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, meanwhile, pointed tothe historical and cultural ties between the Iraqi and Uzbek peoples as astrong foundation for broad and long-lasting relations between the twocountries.

رئيس الجمهورية @nizarAmede يتلقى رسالة تهنئة من نظيره الأوزبكي بمناسبة العيد الوطنيأكد أن الروابط التاريخية والثقافية التي تجمع الشعبين منذ القدم تشكل أساسا متينا للعلاقات متعددة الأوجه وطويلة الأمد بين البلدين. pic.twitter.com/LKQZUifY6O

— رئاسة جمهورية العراق (@IraqiPresidency) October 3, 2026

Shafaq News-Baghdad

June 30,2027, is the agreed deadline for implementing the constitutional provision onweapons regulation, Iraq’s Coordination Framework (CF) said on Friday.

In astatement, the CF said it held an emergency meeting at the Government Palace atthe invitation of Prime Minister Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi to discuss currentpolitical and security developments and priorities after “Sovereignty Day.” Italso called on all parties to maintain comprehensive de-escalation.

Read more: Iraq's Sovereignty Days: Coalition mission ends, factions keep their weapons

Participantscalled on the four-member committee to maintain its current pace of work untilthe agreed deadline and praised its efforts. They also called for strengtheningstate institutions and upholding the rule of law.

The CFwelcomed the armed factions’ commitment to the agreement, calling theirpositions responsible and in the public interest. It said the deal resultedfrom efforts by several parties in recent months.

The Framework also noted the Global Coalition’s commitment to withdrawing from Iraq within the agreed timeframe and praised its role in fighting terrorism.

Read more: Kurdistan Region faces air-defense gap as US troops leave Iraq

Shafaq News- Washington

US President Donald Trump ruled out a ban on diesel exportson Friday after G7 leaders agreed to release up to 100 million barrels ofdiesel and crude oil from emergency reserves over the next four months.

“We’re not going to be doing the export ban,” Trump toldreporters before leaving the White House for Alabama, adding that he had neverintended to impose one.

French President Emmanuel Macron said G7 leaders unanimouslyagreed to release the fuel stocks under International Energy Agencycoordination, with a substantial diesel release planned during the first 20days.

The G7 pledged to avoid restrictions on energy exportsbetween member states and coordinate refinery maintenance and production toincrease fuel supplies.

Shafaq News- Baghdad

Iraq’s Shiite Coordination Framework (CF) is consideringcreating a permanent leadership council that would oversee government workthrough the alliance’s own committees and potentially give it greater influenceover major state decisions, Amwaj media outlet reported on Friday.

Islamic Supreme Council of Iraq leader Humam Hamoudiproposed the “state leadership council” in August. The body would operatewithin the CF rather than the broader State Administration Coalition (SLC),although the report noted that it would have no apparent constitutional basis.

The report said the proposal could also serve as a way forthe CF’s senior figures to manage internal disputes andpreserve their influence over the alliance’s direction. Hamed Al-Sayed toldAmwaj that the council could help block a possible return of the SadristMovement and narrow the Coordination Framework’s decision-making circle tofigures with greater parliamentary weight. Veteran politician IzzatAl-Shabandar, meanwhile, said several senior alliance figures, including NouriAl-Maliki, oppose institutionalizing the CF.

Amwaj also linked the debate to Al-Zaidi’s efforts toestablish greater authority since taking office, particularly through hisanti-corruption drive and disarmament policy.

Read more: Iraq activates whistleblower rewards as corruption reports top 26,000

To continue reading, click here.

Shafaq News- Paris/ Baghdad

Iraq opposes Israel’s participation in UNESCO meetings, inline with its official and legal position against normalization, Iraq’sPermanent Representative to the organization, Asaad Turki Swari, said onFriday.

In an official letter, Swari said Baghdad’s position wasbased on Iraq’s Law No. 1 of 2022 criminalizing normalization with Israel.

He called for a clear Arab Group position on any invitationextended to Israel, both in the current case and in future meetings. Iraq hadpreviously opposed Israeli actions during UN General Assembly meetings, headded, citing the continued occupation of Palestinian territories andviolations against Palestinians in explaining its objection to Israel’sparticipation in UNESCO activities.

The letter followed UNESCO invitations to several non-memberparticipants, including Israel, to attend an intergovernmental meeting of aSpecial Committee reviewing the 1997 Recommendation concerning the Status ofHigher-Education Teaching Personnel.

Read more: Can Iraq establish relations with Israel?

Shafaq News-Tehran

The UnitedStates has been "expelled" from Iraq despite its vast resources andmilitary might, Esmail Qaani, commander of the Quds Force, the foreignoperations arm of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), said onThursday, crediting Iraqis and Iran's allied armed groups for the withdrawal.

"Thisyear's anniversary is being observed at a time when the US, despite possessingvast resources and equipment, has been expelled from Iraq, and the Iraqi peopleare celebrating this victory, thanks to the resistance of the Iraqi nation andthe heroes of the Resistance Front," he told a ceremony in Tehran markingtwo years since the killing of Hezbollah leaders Hassan Nasrallah and HashemSafieddine.

Read more: Iraq's Sovereignty Days: Coalition mission ends, factions keep their weapons

Lookingahead, Qaani said coordination between the Iraqi government, state institutionsand “the children of the Resistance” would move Iraq toward greater security,peace and sovereignty and help remove what he described as the remainingeffects of the US presence in other fields. He added that armed groups remainedactive in Iraq, which he described as one of the region's most sensitive arenas,and were pursuing their course with “prudence and planning.”

Qaani alsoaccused Washington of trying to downplay the significance of its departure byraising what he called “peripheral issues,” including aircraft overflights,without specifying which flights he meant.

The US-led Coalitionended its military mission in Iraq on September 30. Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidimarked the occasion by declaring there would be "no weapons outside theumbrella of the law, and no force outside state institutions."

Iraq's armedfactions have taken differing positions on the withdrawal and the government'sweapons-control process. Asaib Ahl al-Haq, Kataib Sayyid al-Shuhada and HarakatAnsar Allah al-Awfiya welcomed the withdrawal or pledged to honor agreementswith the government, while Ashab al-Kahf rejected disarmament outright andthreatened to attack foreign forces.

Qaani's lastknown visit to Baghdad came on August 10, when he led a senior military andsecurity delegation on an unannounced trip and met Badr Organization leaderHadi al-Amiri and other political and faction figures. During that visit, heurged the factions "not to surrender their weapons for now," whilewarning them against any armed confrontation with government forces andpressing instead for a political settlement with Baghdad, an informed sourcetold Shafaq News at the time.

Shafaq News- Baghdad

Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi on Thursday declared that Iraq had entered a new “sovereignty phase,” saying the end of the US-led Coalition mission would be followed by steps to consolidate state authority over the country’s territory, weapons, and security decisions.

Speaking at a “Sovereignty Day” conference in Baghdad, Al-Zaidi said sovereignty meant extending state authority across the country and ensuring that security and military decisions were governed by the constitution and state institutions.

Read more: Iraq's Sovereignty Days: Coalition mission ends, factions keep their weapons

“The sovereignty that Iraq has regained today is embodied in a set of national realities that have been completed,” he said.

The first, Al-Zaidi said, was the withdrawal of foreign forces and the complete end of the US-led Global Coalition’s military mission in Iraq on September 30.

The second was an agreement on the withdrawal of Turkish forces and members of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), alongside ending the presence of foreign armed groups on Iraqi territory.

Al-Zaidi identified the unification of Peshmerga forces as a third component, saying it would strengthen unified security and military decision-making in Iraq.

He also pledged to end the presence of any foreign armed opposition groups on Iraqi territory and prevent the country from being used as a launchpad for attacks against neighboring states.

On Iraq’s armed factions, Al-Zaidi said sovereignty also required bringing weapons under state control in accordance with the constitution and law.

The government, he said, would follow an agreed timetable to address the status of the factions and integrate them into state institutions. He praised groups that had already committed to the process and urged the remaining factions to follow.

“We expect the same commitment from the others in a way that serves the interests of our people and strengthens the authority and standing of the state,” he said.

Al-Zaidi had previously set June 30, 2027, as the deadline for completing the process of bringing weapons outside state control under state authority.

The sixth element of the sovereignty plan, he said, was the start of building an integrated national air-defense system aimed at strengthening Iraq’s ability to protect its airspace and national sovereignty.

Shafaq News- Washington

Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein said on Thursday that Baghdad ismoving ahead with efforts to bring armed factions' weapons under state control,with a government plan setting June 2027 as the deadline for completing theprocess.

Speaking to journalists at the Iraqi Embassy in Washington, Hussein saidthree of seven armed factions had accepted the process and begun handing overweapons to Iraqi forces. He expected other groups, including Kataib SayyidAl-Shuhada, to eventually join.

Read more: US-Iraq security agreements keep failing

Security Ties And Regional Mediation

With the Global Coalition's mission in Iraq ended, Hussein said Baghdadwould move toward direct bilateral security relations with Washington under theUS-Iraq Strategic Framework Agreement, while also developing bilateral securityties with other Western governments, including Britain and France.

On relations between Washington and Tehran, the foreign minister saidthat Iraq supports negotiations aimed at reducing tensions and resolvingdisputes through diplomacy rather than military action. “Baghdad remains incontact with other mediators, including Oman, Qatar and Pakistan, and isprepared to mediate directly if both sides formally request it,” he added.

Hussein also addressed the Peshmerga and disputed territories, sayingthe Kurdish force is constitutionally recognized within Iraq’s defense system.Federal and Peshmerga forces maintain field coordination in shared areas,including Kirkuk and Diyala, to prevent security gaps that ISIS could exploit.

Read more: Iraq's mediation bid between Washington and Tehran hinges on al-Zaidi's political weight

Saudi Investigation And Turkish Presence

Hussein said Iraq sent a security team to Saudi Arabia and providedpreliminary findings showing that the attack on Saudi oil pipelines originatedfrom Iraqi territory around 13 kilometers from the Iranian border. Baghdad hasasked Tehran for additional information.

On Turkiye’s military presence, Hussein said that Iraqi officialsdiscussed the Bashiqa camp and the area around Sinjar with Turkish counterpartsduring meetings in New York. He pointed out that the two sides had reachedunderstandings on a Turkish withdrawal from Bashiqa within an agreed timeframe.

Iran Flights And US Sanctions

Asked by Shafaq News about US sanctions and restrictions on flightsbetween Iraq and Iran, Hussein said he raised the issue during his visit withsenior US administration officials, explaining their impact on religious travelbetween the two countries.

Around five million Iranians visit Iraq each year, while approximatelythree million Iraqis travel to the Iranian city of Mashhad, Hussein said,making restrictions on flights between Najaf and Mashhad “a sensitive religiousand social issue requiring special arrangements.”

Washington has since granted Iraqi Airways a limited sanctions exemptionfor Iran flights through Najaf, with services due to resume in October, whilethe restrictions on Iranian carriers remain in effect.

Oil Routes Beyond Hormuz

The Iraqi FM said regional tensions and the risk of disruption in theStrait of Hormuz had pushed Iraq to reconsider its oil-export infrastructure. “Iraqcurrently exports around 3.5 million to 3.6 million barrels per day through thestrait.”

“Baghdad has therefore been examining alternative pipeline routesthrough neighboring countries,” Hussein said, adding that Iraqi officials heldextensive talks in Damascus on reviving the pipeline through Syria to theMediterranean port of Baniyas. Iraq and Syria have already begun preparatorystudies for rehabilitating the Kirkuk-Baniyas route, with Chevron involvedthrough an international consortium.

According to Hussein, the pipeline through the Kurdistan Region toTurkiye’s Ceyhan port had recently resumed after a suspension linked to legaldisputes. It is currently carrying around 200,000 barrels per day, with plansto raise volumes to 350,000 barrels per day and eventually to 700,000 asforeign oil companies restore production.

Read more: Preparatory studies begin on Kirkuk-Baniyas pipeline rehabilitation

Energy Diversification

Hussein said Iraq’s gas-import contracts with Iran date to 2013, whileelectricity imports had reached about 1,200 megawatts before supplies declinedand faced repeated disruptions.

“Baghdad is now seeking to reduce reliance on external energy bydeveloping associated gas and expanding regional power links.” Iraq importselectricity through Jordan, is pursuing a connection with Egypt and isdiscussing supplies from Turkiye, which previously reached around 600megawatts.

Hussein added that Iraq is also working on a Gulf electricity linkthrough Kuwait.

Read more: Erbil faces security gaps after Coalition withdrawal

Shafaq News- Baghdad

Harakat Al-Nujaba*, one of Iraq’s most hardlineIran-backed factions, warned on Thursday against any continued US presence in thecountry following the formal end of the US-led Coalition’s military mission.

“We warn against their presence on our land in anyform, whether as security companies, advisers or otherwise,” Al-Nujaba said ina statement, crediting armed resistance with pressuring Washington to withdraw.

The group also urged Baghdad to reduce the size of theUS Embassy and conduct relations with Washington “on an equal footing.” Otherdemands included ending what the faction characterized as American influenceover Iraq’s economy and political affairs, US military flights through Iraqiairspace, and troop deployments near the country’s borders in Syria, Jordan,and Kuwait.

Read more: Coalition mission ends, factions keep their weapons

Al-Nujaba portrayed the Coalition’s departure asfulfilling a commitment to slain Iranian Quds Force commander Qassem Soleimaniand former Popular Mobilization Forces deputy chief Abu Mahdi Al-Muhandis. Atthe same time, it pledged continued support for Iraq’s security forces,maintaining that its goal is an independent and secure country.

Baghdad formally announced on Wednesday that theCoalition’s campaign against ISIS had ended, with Iraqi forces assuming fullresponsibility for national security. The Pentagon also confirmed theconclusion of Operation Inherent Resolve and the departure of Coalitionpersonnel and equipment from Erbil Air Base under the September 2024 US-Iraqagreement. Iraq-USsecurity cooperation will continue bilaterally through intelligence sharing,training, and arms support.

Other Iraqi armed factions, including Asaib AhlAl-Haq, Ashab Al-Kahf, and Kataib Hezbollah, similarly attributed thewithdrawal to armed resistance. Some have rejected calls to surrender theirweapons and threatened to target foreign troops on the ground or in the air.

Read more: Iraqi factions hail US exit, some threaten attacks

* Harakat Al-Nujaba is led by AkramAl-Kaabi, a US-designated figure, and belongs to the Islamic Resistance inIraq, a loose coalition of Iran-aligned factions focused on driving US forcesout of the country. Unlike allied groups such as Asaib Ahl Al-Haq, whoseSadiqoun bloc holds 27 parliamentary seats, or Kataib Hezbollah, which runs thesix-seat Hoqooq bloc, Al-Nujaba has no registered political wing or seats inthe Council of Representatives.

Shafaq News- Baghdad

An Iraqi armed faction involved in government-led talks to bring weapons under state control has proposed creating a new ministry to support the country’s security institutions, an informed source told Shafaq News on Thursday, as the weapons negotiations unfold alongside bargaining over the remaining posts in Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi’s cabinet.

The source said the proposal was raised during negotiations with thecommittee tasked with talks with armed factions. The source did not identify the faction or specify the proposed ministry’s mandate.

Some factions have also sought guarantees as part of any agreement to place their weapons under state authority, the source said. The source did not specify the nature of those guarantees but said the government was “unwilling to allow them to become political privileges.”

According to the source, several of the factions’ main conditions have either been met or are moving forward, including the end of the US-led Coalition’s military mission in Iraq and steps toward reducing Turkiye’s military presence.

Read more: Iraq factions resist disarmament as coalition exit nears

The Coalition’s military mission in Iraq ended on September 30, with Baghdad holding “Sovereignty Days” events to mark the transition. On Thursday, Turkiye’s Defense Ministry separately announced that its Bashiqa-Zilkan military base in northern Iraq would be gradually handed over to Iraqi authorities under an agreed mechanism and timetable.

Badr Organization lawmaker Abu Turab Al-Tamimi rejected suggestions that the factions were seeking political benefits for themselves, telling Shafaq News that their demands centered on “full Iraqi sovereignty” over the country’s territory and airspace, freedom from outside influence and stronger air defenses.

The weapons-control talks are proceeding alongside separate political negotiations over the remaining posts in Al-Zaidi’s government.

Al-Tamimi said those discussions include restoring deputy prime minister posts. He said that if Laith Al-Khazali is approved as a deputy prime minister, the State of Law Coalition’s nominee for interior minister could also move forward, along with nominees for other portfolios, including Higher Education and Labor and Social Affairs.

Read more: Iraq's armed factions sit at the center of a Middle East war

He added that the Taqaddum Party, led by former parliament speaker Mohammed Al-Halbousi, is seeking a vice-presidential post, a demand he argued could diminish the role of the current president.

Duha Al-Sadkhan, an MP from the National Approach parliamentary bloc, said there was a preliminary agreement to complete the cabinet next week, noting that “there are political talks and understandings over the nominee for interior minister, but I do not think it is appropriate to speak of a final agreement on the cabinet until the name has been formally agreed.”

Al-Sadkhan said nominees should be chosen on the basis of competence, professionalism and political acceptability, adding that parliament should retain its constitutional role in reviewing and voting on the candidates.

An informed government source told Shafaq News on Tuesday that if political blocs fail to agree on individual nominees, the remaining cabinet candidates could be submitted to parliament as a single package.

Parliament approved Al-Zaidi’s government on May 14, confirming 14 of 23 ministers but leaving nine portfolios vacant, including the key Interior and Defense ministries, because of disagreements among political blocs. Al-Zaidi was subsequently backed by the Coordination Framework to hold talks with political leaders over the unresolved posts.

Shafaq News- Tehran/ Baghdad

Iran’s Embassy in Baghdad on Thursday urged Iraq to actover US restrictions on flights between the two countries, warning that themeasures were disrupting travel for visitors, university students, andpatients.

In a message marking Iraq’s “Sovereignty Days,” the Embassydescribed Iraqi-Iranian relations as based on “deep ties and shared interests”and called on Baghdad to protect those historic ties from provocations and theeffects of US sanctions.

تستند العلاقات الإيرانية العراقية إلى روابط عميقة ومصالح مشتركة. القيود الأخيرة على الطيران تعرقل حركة الزوار والجامعيين والمرضى؛ ویتوقع من الحكومة العراقية المستقلة وفي يوم السيادة؛ اتخاذ قرارفوری، لحماية هذه العلاقات التاريخية من الاستفزازات وتداعيات العقوبات الأمريكية الظالمة. pic.twitter.com/QWqYVOGAgv

— السفارة الإيرانية - بغداد (@IRAN_in_IRAQ) September 30, 2026

Washington imposed penalties on 36 Iran-related targets onSept. 8, targeting airlines and foreign networks it accused of supportingTehran’s aviation sector and facilitating the movement of weapons, personnel,and illicit cargo. Iraq did not initially impose a nationwide flightsuspension, but airports in Baghdad, Najaf, Erbil, and Al-Sulaymaniyah haltedflights to and from Iran.

On Tuesday, Iraqi Airways said it will resume flights toIranian airports in October, initially from Najaf. However, a senior sourcetold Shafaq News that the ban on Iranian airlines remains in place.

Read more: US sanctions reshape Iraq-Iran travel, airline operations

Shafaq News- Baghdad

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi on Thursday said Oct. 1 is a "serious beginning" to the process of bringing allweapons under state control, setting June 30, 2027, as the deadline forcompleting the effort.

Al-Zaidi said the move was in line withIraq's constitutional requirement that decisions on war and peace remain withinthe country's authorities, pledging to follow a clear roadmap and agreedtimetable. "The government will work to fully disarm allnon-Iraqi armed groups present on Iraqi territory," he added, noting that theeffort would help safeguard the country's security and stability whilestrengthening control over its borders.

Iraq recently declared the end of the US-ledCoalition's mission against ISIS, with Iraqi forces assuming fullresponsibility for the country's security.

Al-Zaidi also reaffirmed Iraq's commitment to preventingits territory and airspace from being used as a launchpad or transit route forany action threatening the security of neighboring countries, citing mutualrespect for sovereignty, good-neighborly relations and non-interference ininternal affairs as the principles guiding Iraq's position.

"We reject the use of the territory or airspace of anystate for attacks against Iraq," he concluded.

Baghdad had initially tied the transfer of all weapons understate control to the Coalition mission’s scheduled end on September 30. But onSeptember 21, Al-Zaidi outlined a phased approach, beginning with a 90-daypause in attacks by armed factions in exchange for a halt to US strikes,followed by a weapons handover to be completed by June 30, 2027.

On Wednesday, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq (IRI), anumbrella grouping of Iran-aligned Iraqi armed factions, said it is “not bound”by any government or political timetable or agreement for regulating itsweapons, linking the process to the complete withdrawal of US, NATO and otherforeign military forces from Iraq.

Read more: Iraq factions resist disarmament as coalition exit nears

Shafaq News- Washington

The Iraqi government has drafted a plan to place all weaponsunder state control, with the draft expected to be presented in the coming daysand including specific timelines for implementation, Iraqi Foreign MinisterFuad Hussein stated on Wednesday.

Speaking at a discussion hosted by the Atlantic Council inWashington titled “Iraq After September 30,” Hussein clarified that PrimeMinister Ali al-Zaidi has set June 2027 as the deadline for completing theplan.

According to a Foreign Ministry statement, the sessionaddressed political and security developments in Iraq and the region, theoutlook for Iraqi-US relations, future security cooperation, and efforts tocombat ISIS.

Participants also examined Iraq’s position on regionalconflicts, the impact of sanctions on Iran on Iraq and its economic ties, aswell as the government’s efforts to bring armed groups under state control.

Border security and developments in Syria, along with theirimplications for Iraq’s national security, were also discussed.

The dialogue further explored opportunities to strengtheneconomic ties between Iraq and the United States and encourage US companies toinvest in Iraq, to expand bilateral trade and economic cooperation.

Read more: Iraq factions resist disarmament as coalition exit nears

Meanwhile, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq (IRI), an umbrellagrouping of Iran-aligned Iraqi armed factions, declared that it is “not bound”by any government or political timetable or agreement for regulating itsweapons, linking the process to the complete withdrawal of US, NATO and otherforeign military forces from Iraq.

Al-Zaidi formally announced the end of the Coalition’smission against ISIS in Iraq, with Iraqi forces assuming full responsibilityfor the country's security. He added that the end of the mission “does not meanthe end of our fight against terrorism,” with security cooperation set tocontinue through intelligence sharing, training, expertise and technology.

Shafaq News- Baghdad

Iraq has entered a new era following the end of the US-ledCoalition’s mission against ISIS in the country, Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidisaid on Wednesday, marking a new chapter in which Iraq will exercise fullcontrol over its decisions, territory and sovereignty.

In a speech marking “Sovereignty Days,” Al-Zaidi reflectedon the years of conflict that preceded the Coalition's departure, noting thatIraqis had “paid a heavy price through years of patience.”

“Iraq became a battleground for others rather than a safehomeland for its people,” he said, expressing his appreciation to Iraq's seniorreligious authority in Najaf for its “decisive” role in defending Iraq and itspeople.

He also honored those killed and wounded during the fightagainst terrorism and paid tribute to the army, police, counterterrorismforces, Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), Peshmerga and other armed forces andsecurity agencies.

“Be at the heart of the state, not outside it,” Al-Zaidi urged,stressing that weapons belong within the state and its institutions. “Let yourexperience and sacrifices become an added strength serving Iraq under onenational doctrine, one flag and one military and security command,” he said.

Arguing that the state should organize the capabilities ofits citizens within the framework of the law and Constitution rather thanexclude them, he defined sovereignty as weapons being in the hands of thestate, Iraqi territory being free of foreign forces and national decisionsrepresenting everyone.

Read more: Iraq factions resist disarmament as coalition exit nears

Earlier today, the Prime Minister formally announced theend of the Coalition’s mission against ISIS in Iraq, with Iraqi forces assumingfull responsibility for the country's security. He added that the end of themission “does not mean the end of our fight against terrorism,” with securitycooperation set to continue through intelligence sharing, training, expertiseand technology.

US President Donald Trump also confirmed that the last UStroops had left Iraq, describing the withdrawal by the Sept. 30 deadline as“orderly.” US envoy to Iraq and Syria Tom Barrack, meanwhile, welcomed thecompletion of the US exit, noting that the departure of American forces hadopened the way for Al-Zaidi to bring the country's armed forces under a singlestate command.

Baghdad had initially linked bringing armed factions’weapons under state control to the Coalition mission’s September 30 end date.On September 21, Al-Zaidi instead introduced a phased process beginning with a90-day pause in faction attacks in exchange for US forces refraining fromstrikes, followed by a weapons handover scheduled for completion by June 30,2027.

Read more: Iraqi Army after US-led Coalition withdrawal: Can Baghdad achieve full military sovereignty?

Shafaq News- Washington/ Baghdad 

US President Donald Trump's envoy to Syria and Iraq, TomBarrack, welcomed the completion of the US troop withdrawal from Iraq onWednesday, saying the departure of American forces had opened the way for PrimeMinister Ali al-Zaidi to bring the country's armed forces under a single state command.

Barrack noted that 23 years after the first US troopsarrived in Iraq, Trump had completed the process of bringing American forceshome, characterizing the move as more than a military withdrawal and saying ithad brought Baghdad, Erbil and US interests into a single strategic picture.

“The Americans and Iraqis who served and sacrificed overthose years made this possible; their service is honored by an Iraq that nowstands on its own,” he added, calling the United States a friend rather than agarrison.

Twenty-three years after the first American boots landed in Iraq, President Trump has completed the transition of our forces home — not by walking away, but by aligning every side of the cube: Baghdad, Erbil, our regional friends, and American interests, into a single strategic… https://t.co/0nyFc5IfKj

— Ambassador Tom Barrack (@USAMBTurkiye) September 30, 2026

Earlier today, Trump said the last US troops had left Iraq,describing the withdrawal by the Sept. 30 deadline as “orderly.”

Al-Zaidi also formally declared the end of the US-ledCoalition’s mission against ISIS in Iraq, with Iraqi forces assuming fullresponsibility for the country's security. He further noted that the end of theCoalition mission “does not mean the end of our fight against terrorism,”adding that security cooperation would continue through intelligence sharing,training, expertise and technology.

Read more: Iraqi Army after US-led Coalition withdrawal: Can Baghdad achieve full military sovereignty?

Shafaq News- Baghdad

Kataib Hezbollah, an Iran-aligned Iraqi armed faction, willhalt military operations in Iraq following the withdrawal of US forces, itssecretary-general, Abu Hussein al-Hamidawi, declared on Wednesday, calling fora new agreement with the government to define the relationship between armedfactions and the state.

"The resistance has won this round against the USoccupation," al-Hamidawi said. "The winner is the one who imposes histerms on the enemy."

He also disclosed that no agreement had been reached withPrime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, urging all parties to forge a solid accord thatsafeguards everyone's rights.

🔻الامين العام للمقاومة الاسلامية كتائب حزب الله الحاج ابو حسين الحميداوي "اعزه الله ونصره" :يجب على جميع مجاهدينا في العراق إيقاف جميع العمليات العسكرية والأنشطة اللوجستية المتحركة، ما عدا العمل على استهداف الطيران المعادي المنتهك لأجواء البلاد. https://t.co/a176KGyHbn

— صابرين نيوز - Sabereen news (@sabreenS11) September 30, 2026

Defending the continued existence of resistance groupsalongside Iraq's official security forces, he described the arrangement asa good thing and argued that it should not be viewed withsuspicion. "Many countries around the world have more than one army andmore than one military structure."

"Yes, the fundamental decision on war and peace mustbe one, or at least agreed upon, and this is acceptable to us," he added,calling on all fighters in Iraq to halt military operations and mobilelogistical activities, except for operations targeting hostile aircraftviolating Iraqi airspace, until the government's air defense capabilities arefully established.

Earlier today, al-Zaidi formally announced the end of theUS-led Coalition's mission against ISIS in Iraq, saying Iraqi forces wouldassume full responsibility for the country's security.

Read more: Iraqi Army after US-led Coalition withdrawal: Can Baghdad achieve full military sovereignty?

Shafaq News- Washington

US President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that the lastUS troops had left Iraq, saying it was time for Americans to return home.

Trump also praised Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi,describing him as wonderful and recalling that he had supported him from thebeginning.

He said the withdrawal by a Sept. 30 deadline is“orderly”, adding, “It has been a long time, with very bad decision-makingthat got us involved in this quagmire in the first place, but soon, that willbe part of History.” He said the shift was a victory for the US, Iraq, and asign of victory over ISIS.

Earlier in the day, Al-Zaidi formally declared the end of the US-led Coalition’s mission against ISIS in Iraq, saying Iraqi forces would now take full responsibility for the country’s security. He noted that the end of the Coalition mission "does not mean the end of our fight against terrorism,” adding that security cooperation with Coalition countries would continue, focusing on intelligence sharing, training, expertise and technology.

Shafaq News- Washington/ Baghdad

Former spokesman for the US-led Coalition Myles Caggins saidthe Coalition’s withdrawal from Iraq was jointly agreed by Baghdad andWashington as the threat posed by ISIS changed and political opposition to theUS military presence grew.

In an interview with Shafaq News, Caggins pointed to thechanging realities of the campaign against ISIS, noting that the group is nolonger capable of holding large amounts of territory.

The Pentagon announced Wednesday, September 30, 2026, theformal end of Operation Inherent Resolve in Iraq. The Defense Department saidthe departure of coalition forces and equipment from Erbil Air Base marked theconclusion of the military mission, while the United States and its partnerswould continue providing targeted training and intelligence support to Iraqiforces.

In Baghdad, Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi declared thecoalition mission over during an official ceremony attended by senior Iraqimilitary officials. He stressed that the end of the mission did not mark theend of the fight against terrorism and that security cooperation with coalitioncountries would continue.

“No weapons outside the umbrella of the law, and no poweroutside state institutions,” al-Zaidi said.

A New Bilateral Security Partnership

Washington and Baghdad are now moving toward a bilateralsecurity relationship covering weapons sales, military equipment, training andadvisory support, according to Caggins.

“This will include the transfer and sales of weapons andmilitary equipment from the United States to Iraq,” he said, adding that UStraining and advisory support for Iraqi security forces and the Peshmerga wouldcontinue on a short-term and limited basis.

Such cooperation would not require semi-permanent bases or asemi-permanent US military presence at Iraqi or Kurdish bases, he explained.

During the Coalition’s campaign in Iraq and Syria,Washington provided more than $8 billion in training and equipment to Iraqisecurity forces and the Kurdish Peshmerga, according to Caggins. He expects“direct contributions to decline as foreign military sales and financing expandthrough longer-term programs.”

Those programs include support for Iraq’s F-16 fighter jetsand C-130J aircraft, along with other advanced military equipment intended tostrengthen the country’s internal security.

The transition follows understandings announced by Baghdadand Washington in September 2024 to end the coalition mission in two phases andmove toward bilateral security ties.

Formed in 2014 to support Iraq in its fight against ISIS,the Coalition later shifted its focus toward pursuing the group’s remainingcells and strengthening Iraqi forces after ISIS lost control of large areas.

US Approach to Iran

Caggins described Washington’s approach to Iraq’srelationship with Iran as an effort to curb Tehran’s influence rather thansever ties between the neighboring countries. He characterized the US objectiveas reducing what he called Iran’s “malign” or “negative” influence withinIraq’s government institutions and political system.

“This does not mean that the US expects Iraq to close itsentire borders to Iran,” he said, pointing to Washington’s recognition of theimportance of religious travel between the two countries. “There are long-termcultural and religious ties between Iran and Iraq, and the US does not want tostop those traditions from continuing.”

His comments come as Baghdad prepares for the next phase ofits security arrangements following the coalition’s departure. Al-Zaidi hasoutlined a plan beginning with 90 days of de-escalation, followed by a weaponshandover process scheduled for completion by June 30, 2027.

Caggins has characterized bringing armed groups fully understate authority as a long-term challenge because their influence extends beyondmilitary capabilities into political and economic activity. He warned thatcontinued attacks against US and international interests, the Kurdistan Regionof Iraq (KRI) or Saudi targets could expose the groups to severe consequencesand decisive responses from the White House and Pentagon.

Shafaq News- Baghdad

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq (IRI),an umbrella grouping of Iran-aligned Iraqi armed factions, declared onWednesday that it is “not bound” by any government or political timetable oragreement for regulating its weapons, linking the process to the completewithdrawal of US, NATO and other foreign military forces from Iraq.

Spokesperson Jaafar al-Husseini saidthe factions have spent more than 40 days negotiating with the Iraqi governmentthrough a four-member committee formed by the Coordination Framework, Iraq’smain alliance of Shiite political forces. The talks center on regulating theirweapons in exchange for what he described as Iraq achieving “full andcomprehensive sovereignty.”

Al-Husseini defined that conditionas ending all foreign military presence on Iraqi territory and in its airspaceand waters, while asserting the factions’ “right to respond directly to any USor Zionist [Israeli] violation of Iraq’s sovereignty.”

The factions, he added, had yet toreceive the government’s response to an agreement document that he said wasformally signed by the Coordination Framework committee and representatives offour armed groups.

“The resistance’s weapons willremain entrusted to our fighters,” al-Husseini stated, adding that they wouldremain directed against any party targeting Iraq and its people. Henevertheless expressed readiness for dialogue that would guarantee Iraq’ssovereignty and allow it to “break free from US hegemony.”

The declaration coincided with theend of the US-led Global Coalition’s military mission in Iraq. Asaib Ahl al-Haq,one of the factions, described the completion of the US forces’ withdrawal as a“historic milestone” and called on Baghdad to pursue the removal of all foreignforces, while Ashab al-Kahf rejected surrendering its weapons and threatenedattacks on foreign troops.

Baghdad had initially linkedbringing armed factions’ weapons under state control to the Coalition mission’sSeptember 30 end date. On September 22, Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi insteadintroduced a phased process beginning with a 90-day pause in faction attacks inexchange for US forces refraining from strikes, followed by a weapons handoverscheduled for completion by June 30, 2027.

Read more: Kurdistan Region faces air-defense gap as US troops leave Iraq

Shafaq News- Baghdad (Updated at 16:21)

Iraqi officials and political leaders on Wednesdaymarked the country’s “Sovereignty Days,” commemorating the Sept. 30 conclusionof the US-led Coalition’s military mission and the transition toward bilateralsecurity partnerships.

Formed in 2014 to fight ISIS, the Coalition concludedits role under an agreement reached by Baghdad and Washington in September2024. Security ties between Iraq and the United States will now continue on abilateral basis, including intelligence sharing, training, and armscooperation.

Iraqi President

Iraqi President Nizar Amedi said sovereignty could only be completeunder a strong state with established institutions and enforceable law, adding thatdecisions of war and peace belong exclusively to the state.

He renewed his call on all political forces to protect the unity ofIraqi decision-making, put the interests of the state first, and strengthennational cohesion.

pic.twitter.com/0cZeGy28wk

— رئاسة جمهورية العراق (@IraqiPresidency) September 30, 2026

Parliament Speaker

Haibet Al-Halbousi, Speaker of the Iraqi Parliament, said that the end of the US-led Coalition'smission does not mean an end to cooperation with its member states, but a moveto a new phase “based on coordination, mutual respect and shared interests thatsafeguards Iraq's sovereignty and independent decision-making.”

Iraq willnot serve as an arena for settling conflicts or a corridor for attacks on othercountries, Al-Halbousi said, adding that interference in or violations of itsterritory, airspace or resources would not be accepted.

The speakeralso tied Iraq's stability to the rule of law and state authority over armedgroups, calling for "no weapons outside the law, no force outside stateinstitutions, and no decision above the national decision."

Masoud Barzani

Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) leader Masoud Barzaniaffirmed that the Kurdistan Region remains in close security coordination withthe federal government to confront threats following the Coalition’s departure,including those posed by ISIS and other armed groups.

He credited international forces with “helping Iraqitroops and the Peshmerga defeat ISIS and restore stability,” while advocatingcontinued cooperation with member states through bilateral agreements. ThePeshmerga, working alongside federal security forces, Barzani added, remainprepared to defend the Kurdistan Region and contribute to Iraq’s security.

Read more: Kurdistan Region faces air-defense gap as US troops leave Iraq

Ammar Al-Hakim

Ammar Al-Hakim, head of Al-Hikma Movement, said the occasion reflects Iraq's recoveryand serves as international recognition of the country's ability to manage itsown security without outside help. "It also represents a starting pointfor a comprehensive solution to the problem of weapons outside the state."

Former PM Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani

Former Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudaniportrayed the Coalition’s departure as a milestone in Iraq’s recovery from thewar against ISIS, crediting national forces and international partners withdefeating the group.

He linked the end of the foreign military presence toefforts to bring all weapons under state control through dialogue andconstitutional mechanisms while safeguarding the rights of Popular MobilizationForces (PMF) personnel. Al-Sudani also cited the recent unification of thePeshmerga and the planned handover of Turkiye’s Bashiqa base as further stepstoward strengthening state authority.

Islamic Dawa Party

The Islamic Dawa Party, led by former Prime MinisterNouri Al-Maliki, advocated stronger armed forces, balanced foreign relations,and greater economic and financial independence as key elements of Iraqisovereignty, cautioning that ISIS and other militant groups continue to posesecurity threats across the country.

It also emphasized preserving the country’s“pluralistic, federal and democratic system,” with participation guaranteed forall communities without “monopoly, discrimination or marginalization,” andproposed regular national dialogue and a political covenant to reinforce theconstitutional order.

Director Of The Commander-in-Chief Of The Armed Forces' Office

Abdul Amir Al-Shammari said Iraq's partnershipwith the US-led Coalition will continue even though the coalition's mission inthe country has ended.

Addressing coalition forces directly, he said,"Today you leave Iraq as friends who stood with us in hard times. Thecoalition's mission has ended, but friendship, partnership and cooperation indeterring threats and terrorism will not end."

Former PM Haider Al-Abadi

Al-Abadi praised “the resilience and sacrifices”of Iraqis in defending their country, their rights, and their future.

Taqaddum Party

Taqaddum (Progress) Party leader Mohammed Al-Halbousiwelcomed the conclusion of the military mission as a “national milestone,”crediting the government, state institutions, and international partners withcontributing to Iraq’s security and stability. “Completing the country’ssovereignty requires placing all weapons under government authority, reservingdecisions of war and peace for constitutional institutions, and safeguardingindependent national decision-making.”

في يوم السيادة، نهنِّئ شعبنا العراقي بهذه المحطة الوطنية، ونثمِّن جهود الحكومة في الوصول إلى هذا الاستحقاق، وما بذلته مؤسسات الدولة من جهودٍ لتعزيز الأمن والاستقرار وتمكين القرار الوطني المستقل. كما نقدِّر الدور الذي أدته قوات التحالف الدولي في دعم العراق خلال مراحل مواجهة…

— محمد الحلبوسي (@AlHaLboosii) September 30, 2026

Babylon Movement

The Babylon Movement, a Christian political group ledby Rayan Al-Kildani, characterized exclusive government control over weapons as“a national and constitutional principle that should apply uniformly across allprovinces.” It also backed the government and security forces, stressing that “Iraqshould have a single national decision-making authority and avoid becoming anarena for regional conflicts.”