Iraq's PM al-Zaidi and Trump discuss arms control in New York

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi met with U.S. President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York to discuss consolidating security authority in Iraq. Al-Zaidi emphasized Baghdad's commitment to a timeline extending to 2027 to restrict all weapons to official state institutions and end the influence of multiple security decision-making centers.

The meeting signaled a convergence between Baghdad and Washington regarding the disarmament of armed factions. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed support for al-Zaidi’s efforts, noting that while the challenge is immense, at least three militias have already disarmed and integrated into the national government. Rubio described al-Zaidi as a “very smart and highly ready partner” with the “right intentions and motivations.”

The discussions come as Iraq prepares to conclude the International Coalition's military mission by the end of September, aiming to transition the bilateral relationship toward broader political, economic, and strategic cooperation.