Tom Barak Welcomes Iraq's Move to Centralize Arms Under State Control

Tom Barak, the envoy of U.S. President Donald Trump to Iraq and Syria, congratulated Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Falih Al-Zaidi on the commencement of implementing measures to centralize weapons under state control. He described this initiative as an important step toward establishing stability and restoring sovereignty.

Barak stated on his account on the platform "X" that this move represents the foundational element for a renewed Iraqi governance based on self-administration. He emphasized that it relies on reclaiming national sovereignty, consolidating lasting stability, and paving the way for a new national renaissance.

He also commended the groups that decided to return all weapons to the Iraqi state, considering this decision a fundamental step toward reinforcing order, stability, and the construction of state institutions.

Barak added that "the Prime Minister's confidence in the future of these measures is well placed," noting that what has been achieved so far is only the beginning.

Earlier on Tuesday, Al-Zaidi praised the militias "Kata'ib Imam Ali" and "Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq" for announcing their initiation of disengagement procedures from formations affiliated with the Popular Mobilization Forces and advancing the path of centralizing weapons under state control.

In separate statements, Al-Zaidi said the government values "the responsible step taken by Mr. Shibl Al-Zaidi and the brothers in Kata'ib Imam Ali, through disengagement from Popular Mobilization formations and the commencement of procedures to centralize weapons under the state and its constitutional institutions."

He affirmed that "this step strengthens Iraq's sovereignty, supports the role of the armed forces, and aligns with the directives of the highest religious authority and the priorities of the ministerial agenda."