Iraq sets deadline to consolidate weapons under state control

The Iraqi government has set a deadline of June 2027 to complete the process of consolidating all weapons under state control. Prime Minister Ali al-Zaydi announced a 90-day period for armed factions to cease attacks, followed by a structured disarmament process. Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein emphasized that this move is a constitutional necessity to build a stable economy.

This domestic security push coincides with reports of a shift in Iranian military management within Iraq. Security sources indicate that Iran's Quds Force has established a “shadow command” to bypass traditional militia leadership. This secret network, reportedly led by Colonel Hamid Abdullahi, allows Tehran to maintain direct control over sensitive assets like missiles and drones, even if political factions are integrated into state institutions.

Analysts suggest the success of the Iraqi-American security roadmap depends on the government's ability to transition from a period of calm to the actual dismantling of military structures, including warehouses and specialized combat units. The process faces significant challenges regarding the influence of Iran on various armed groups and the potential for individual violations to trigger renewed military responses.