Iraq seeks state monopoly on weapons to disarm militias

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi has instructed the parliamentary Security and Defense Committee to draft legislation aimed at establishing a state monopoly on weapons. The initiative seeks to ensure that the use of force is strictly reserved for state institutions in accordance with constitutional frameworks.

Al-Zaidi described uncontrolled weapons as “the greatest threat to the state,” noting that they undermine the rule of law and weaken the authority of security institutions. The move is intended to consolidate control over various armed groups, particularly the Iran-aligned Shia militias, amidst regional military escalations and the upcoming withdrawal of the US-led coalition.

The proliferation of weapons outside official institutions remains a long-standing challenge in Iraq, involving factions within the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) as well as independent structures. While some groups under the PMF umbrella have responded to government demands, others continue to resist state control.