Sadr Backs Al-Zaidi Government’s Deadline to Centralize Weapons Control by

Muqtada al-Sadr, leader of the National Current, announced his full support for Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi’s measures aimed at placing all weapons under exclusive state control. He affirmed ongoing communication to monitor developments in the file and address any obstacles that may hinder its implementation.

Al-Sadr’s Position on State Monopoly Over Arms

A statement issued Sunday by the National Current’s Political Council stated that coordination between al-Sadr and the government occurs through multiple channels—both direct and indirect—to ensure continuous oversight of governmental actions related to weapons centralization. The statement clarified that al-Sadr’s stance rests on upholding the principle of state monopoly over arms and ending all forms of armed activity outside official institutions.

Political and Popular Support for the September 30 Deadline

The statement added that al-Sadr confirmed his readiness to extend all forms of political and popular backing to al-Zaidi and his government to ensure the success of this task—particularly as the government’s self-imposed deadline of 30 September approaches.

Centralizing Arms as a Foundation for State Authority

The Political Council emphasized that the National Current views weapons centralization as a foundational step toward consolidating state authority and reinforcing internal stability. It noted that successful execution of the government’s commitments within the announced timeframe would strengthen confidence in its capacity to manage sensitive security files independently of political pressures or maneuvering.

Legal and Institutional Framework for Implementation

The statement stressed that al-Sadr’s support extends beyond rhetorical endorsement: it includes active efforts to foster a political and public environment conducive to the government’s implementation of its measures. It underscored the necessity of conducting the process strictly within a legal and institutional framework—one that preserves the dignity of the state and prevents any slide into internal confrontation.

Iraqi Prime Ministerial Security Advisor Qasim al-Araji, in a press statement, confirmed that dialogue with armed factions remains ongoing to achieve centralization of weapons under state authority. He pointed out that the Peshmerga’s weapons fall within constitutional provisions, while the withdrawal of arms from all entities operating outside constitutional boundaries is mandated.

Al-Araji stated that armed factions are currently committed to refraining from any operations against neighboring countries or inside Iraq and are determined to resolve issues harming Iraq and its neighbors.

He described the period following the international coalition’s withdrawal on 30 September as an opportune moment for serious dialogue with factions on weapons centralization. He clarified that “the coalition’s withdrawal does not signify a break with Washington; rather, security information exchange will continue.”