Iraq’s leaders close ranks on weapons control amid regional tensions

BAGHDAD – Iraq’s main governing alliance has warned armed groups operating outside state authority will face action under the country’s anti-terrorism law after September, as Baghdad seeks to strengthen control over weapons and prevent its territory being drawn into regional conflicts.

The State Administration Coalition said after its 37th meeting that all weapons must remain under government control and that Iraq cannot be used as a launchpad for attacks against neighbouring countries.

The warning comes as Iraq attempts to balance its domestic security priorities with pressure from regional tensions involving Iran, the United States and their allies.

The coalition said any armed activity outside the legal framework after September 30 would be treated as a violation of Iraqi law.

The meeting was attended by Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, President Nizar Amidi, Parliament Speaker Haibat al-Halbousi, Supreme Judicial Council head Faiq Zidan, Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani and senior political leaders.

The coalition, which brings together Iraq’s main Shia, Sunni and Kurdish political forces, is the parliamentary alliance backing the government and shaping major national policies.

Its statement reaffirmed support for Baghdad’s efforts to ensure that only official security institutions possess weapons.

“The use of Iraqi territory to attack neighbouring countries or involve Iraq in conflicts that do not serve its interests cannot be accepted,” the coalition said.

The alliance also called for continued efforts to strengthen border security, combat terrorism, tackle drug trafficking and organised crime, and improve economic conditions.

The push to restrict weapons to the state has been a central but unresolved issue in Iraq since 2003.

Several armed factions gained influence during the fight against Islamic State after 2014, when they played a key role in helping defeat the group.

Although many were later incorporated into Iraq’s formal security structure, some factions have retained independent political and military influence.

The government’s latest position reflects efforts to reinforce the principle that decisions on war and peace must remain under state institutions.

The move also carries regional significance as Baghdad seeks to avoid being pulled into wider Middle East confrontations.

The coalition said Iraq supports dialogue and diplomatic solutions to regional disputes and rejected the use of military force to settle conflicts.

Officials say Iraq wants to maintain a balanced foreign policy and avoid becoming a battleground for competing regional powers.

The government has also been seeking to strengthen economic resilience by increasing non-oil revenues, combating corruption and expanding trade and investment opportunities.

Analysts say the government faces a difficult test in converting political agreement into implementation, particularly given the influence of armed groups with longstanding ties to political parties.

But the broad support shown by Iraq’s political leadership marks a significant shift in rhetoric around state sovereignty and the future role of armed factions.