At a Glance

• Sept 30 is coalition withdrawal only, not an arms deadline.
• Arm collection needs time and dialogue, not ultimatums.
• Military clashes with domestic armed groups are strictly off-limits.
• War and peace decisions rest solely with the state.

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Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi's Security Advisor, Qassim al-Araji, has underscored that September 30 serves strictly as the timeline for the withdrawal of international coalition forces, emphasizing that the centralization of arms requires careful internal dialogue rather than coercive military friction.

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Key Statements and Focus Area

• Clarifying Timelines: Addressing speculation surrounding state pressure, al-Araji noted that September 30 is not a rigid deadline to disarm domestic groups forcefully, favoring negotiated integration instead.
• Avoiding Armed Conflict: The administration has drawn a firm red line against internal military escalations, maintaining that clashes with domestic factions undermine national stability.
• Sovereign Decision-Making: Reinforcing state authority, al-Araji stressed that ultimate authority over matters of war and peace belongs exclusively to the Iraqi state.
• Strategic Realignments: The policy framework reflects al-Araji's ongoing role within Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi's administration, guiding high-level security and defense strategy.

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The Disarmament Process and Timelines

The strategy to consolidate weaponry under absolute state control remains an independent national priority. While internal political alignments, including the incorporation of brigades within the Popular Mobilization Forces (Hashd al-Shaabi), are progressing, the government acknowledges that complex regional conditions require time. Officials are deliberately prioritizing diplomatic engagement to ensure combatants' legal rights are protected while conversations continue.

State and Group Relations

Al-Araji emphasized that domestic armed groups are considered part of the national fabric rather than state enemies, positioning the government to act as their primary protector post-disarmament. Concurrently, the September 30 milestone represents the scheduled end of the international coalition's mission, marking a pivotal shift toward complete security independence.

FYI

This policy clarification arrives as Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi's administration manages the delicate balance between domestic integration of powerful armed factions and the scheduled exit of international coalition forces. By opting for sustained diplomatic dialogue over internal military confrontation, Baghdad aims to advance sovereign control without triggering destabilizing domestic friction.

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