Iraq: Arms Restriction to Begin with 90-Day Period During Which Factions Will Not Attack

Al-Taj News –

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Al-Zeidi said that the process of restricting weapons in Iraq will begin with a 90-day period during which the factions will not carry out attacks or come under US attacks, while noting that the government wants to build economic bridges and ties between Iraq and countries around the world, according to the Iraqi News Agency (INA).

In an interview with The New York Times, Al-Zeidi said that “restricting weapons in Iraq is not optional, but a necessity,” stressing that “this issue, along with combating corruption, represents a matter of honor for him.”

He added that Iraq, the world’s third-largest oil supplier, has lost 60% of its monthly revenues from oil exports due to the war between the United States and Iran, which led to the suspension of shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.

He continued that Iraq wants to build economic bridges and ties with countries around the world, emphasizing that the government seeks for Iraq to be “a point of convergence, not a point of hostility.”

Al-Zeidi stressed that weapons must first be restricted so that Iraq can build a strong economy, noting that the terms of the agreement with the armed factions on disarmament and its timetable will be announced on September 30.

He explained that the process will begin with a 90-day period during which the armed factions will refrain from carrying out any attacks, with guarantees that they will not be subjected to attacks by US forces. After that, the factions will begin handing over their weapons, with the disarmament process to be completed by June 30, 2027.

He said his goal is for these factions to cease to exist as independent entities, adding, “They will join the Popular Mobilization Forces as individuals and integrate into them,” stressing that after the deadline expires, any groups operating under the names of the armed factions “will be considered outlawed.”