Iraqi PM Adviser Clarifies No Fixed Deadline Set for Militia Disarmament Committee

A senior adviser to Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Al Zaidi has denied that a definitive deadline has been established for the committee responsible for bringing weapons under state control. This clarification casts doubt on an anticipated September 30 deadline for Iran-backed groups to disarm.

The committee was originally formed by the Co-ordination Framework—an umbrella organization comprising Iran-backed political parties and militias—to transition unauthorized weapons into government custody following a pledge made by Mr Al Zaidi in May. Initially, Mr Al Zaidi, who oversees the committee, had designated September 30 as the disarmament deadline for these predominantly Iran-linked militia groups. This date coincided with the scheduled withdrawal completion for US-led coalition forces from Iraq, including the Kurdistan region.

However, Qasim Al Araji, a former national security adviser, reportedly told Iraqi state media that recent social media reports concerning a fixed timeframe for the committee's work are entirely incorrect, emphasizing that no specific deadline exists for completing the mission. Mr Al Araji added that once all weapons are under state control, anyone unlawfully possessing a firearm will be treated as a terrorist, though he did not specify an expected timeframe.

Previously, Mr Al Araji clarified that the September 30 target applied exclusively to the departure of US forces rather than the handover of weapons. The Co-ordination Framework established the committee alongside the government after Iran reportedly requested the ruling bloc to negotiate with the Iraqi government on behalf of the armed factions.

An Iraqi official close to Mr Al Zaidi noted that Iran-backed militias have shown no intention of surrendering their arms. Significant resistance from these groups continues to complicate the withdrawal process and Iraq’s domestic security landscape. Regional tensions driven by the Iran war have further entrenched the militias' refusal to disarm, as they perceive an ongoing threat.

Supported financially and militarily by Iran, these militias have grown into powerful entities capable of rivaling the national army. They are deeply integrated into Iraq's political, economic, and social frameworks through business networks and representation in parliament and government. Furthermore, divisions persist among certain factions regarding which state should assume control of the arms, with some arguing the weapons should be returned to Iran rather than the Iraqi state.

While prominent pro-Tehran armed groups such as Asaib Ahl Al Haq and Kataib Imam Ali, along with cleric Moqtada Al Sadr’s Saraya Al Salam faction, claim their weapons are under state authority, hardline factions like Kataib Hezbollah and Harakat Hezbollah Al Nujaba insist they will retain arms until foreign troops depart. Senior Shiite politician Nouri Al Maliki remarked that disarmament would instead focus on organizing and containing weapons, without providing further details.

Since taking office in May, Mr Al Zaidi has faced mounting pressure from regional neighbors and the international community, particularly the US, to successfully disarm the militias.