Iraq plans disarmament as U.S. troops prepare full withdrawal

Iraq’s Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia al-Sudani has vowed to bring all weapons under state control, but acknowledged the difficulties posed by the presence of a U.S.- led coalition remaining in the country, viewed by some as an occupying force, Arab Weekly plus agencies reported on November 4th. 

Sudani stated a plan is in place for the multinational anti-Islamic State coalition to vacate Iraq by September 2026, as the threat from the Islamic State Group has largely subsided. In a statement to Reuters, Sudani questioned the remaining presence of “86 states in a coalition”, claiming “there is no ISIS” and security and stability are present within the nation. 

Sudani added that once foreign troops leave, “there will be a clear programme to end any arms outside state institutions”, encouraging factions to integrate into official security forces or political life. The comments come amidst U.S. pressure to dismantle armed factions linked to the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF). Fear of tarnishing U.S. relations has prevented Iraq’s ruling Shia alliance from granting the PMF  institutional authority. 

The goal of stability remains of vital importance to Sudani as he strives to deter external forces from playing a role in governance, stating that only state institutions have authority over “war and peace” in Iraq. Progression towards implementing central state authority has come as U.S. forces begin to withdraw troops from Iraq with a full exit expected by the end of 2026. 

Sudani attempts to maintain ties with Washington, as he seeks to attract U.S. investment to rebuild Iraq’s economy. Energy deals, including an agreement with Chevron indicate that the country hopes to stabilise its economy, signified by the country’s plans to end dependence on Iranian gas by 2027. 

This comes as Sudani vowed to achieve self-sufficiency in gas production, and put an end to gas flaring which costs Iraq up to $5 billion annually. Despite criticism over record government-spending and hiring, Sudani remains confident ahead of the November 11th election, calling himself Iraq’s builder-in-chief.  “We expect a significant victory,” he claimed. 

Arab Weekly plus agencies, Reuters, Maghrebi.org