Iraqi PM seeks legal cover to bring Iran-backed militia weapons under state control
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Al Zaidi has asked the parliament’s Defence and Security Committee to draft a bill to place all weapons into the hands of the state, in the latest push by Baghdad to disarm Iran-backed militias. The request, which was made during a meeting on Tuesday between Mr Al Zaidi and the head of the committee, Khalid Al Obeidi, comes as the government faces growing pressure to meet…
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Al Zaidi has requested the parliament's Defence and Security Committee to draft a bill placing all weapons under state control, amid mounting pressure to meet the September 30 deadline to disarm Iran-backed militias. The bill, meant to be drafted according to constitutional frameworks, will face a challenging road to passage, given the heavy representation of Iran-backed factions and political parties in parliament.
Prime Minister Al Zaidi emphasized the need to strengthen the state's sovereignty and institutions, asserting that uncontrolled weapons undermine the law and weaken security institutions. The committee, comprising officials from the government, expressed support for the Prime Minister's initiative, including the strengthening of armed forces, border protection, and air defense systems.
The push to disarm the militias coincided with a visit to Baghdad by the commander of Iran's elite Quds Force, Brig Gen Esmail Qaani, raising concerns about the delicate balance the Prime Minister must maintain between asserting state authority and managing powerful armed actors with ties to Tehran.
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