policy
The country is preparing for a pivotal phase characterized by major security and political transformations closely tied to consolidating internal stability, protecting borders, and confining military decision-making exclusively to official state institutions. In this context, Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi announced that the first of October represents a serious practical starting point to address the issue of weapons outside state control, alongside initiating vital measures that include acquiring an integrated air defense system and working to legislate the Popular Mobilization Law to solidify its official status. This came in an official statement issued by the Prime Minister, in which he extended his congratulations to the Iraqi people on this great day in 2026, which embodies a historic achievement represented by the complete and final withdrawal of international coalition forces from Iraqi territory, airspace, and territorial waters, thereby restoring full and comprehensive sovereignty to the country. The statement clarified that this prominent national achievement was realized thanks to the sacrifices and efforts of all Iraqis, as well as the pivotal and important role played by the Supreme Religious Authority through the fatwa of sufficient jihad, which rallied spirits and united active forces to form the nucleus of resistance and confrontation against the terrorist ISIS organization alongside the armed forces under various difficult circumstances. Al-Zaidi stressed that the date of October 1, 2026, constitutes a true turning point to deal with the proliferation of weapons outside the official institution, according to a specific and precise timeline that adheres to constitutional entitlements and extends up to June 30, 2027. This move is based on the constitutional principle that restricts the decision of war and peace exclusively to authorized constitutional authorities, and prevents any military activity outside this legal framework. The government also affirmed its practical commitment to fully disarm non-Iraqi groups present on Iraqi soil, safeguarding security and stability and securing national borders. In a related context, the government affirmed its keenness not to use Iraqi airspace or territory as a launchpad or corridor for any acts threatening the security of neighboring countries, while simultaneously rejecting the use of other countries' territories or airspace to attack Iraq, based on the rules of good neighborliness, mutual sovereignty, and non-interference in internal affairs. The statement added that government efforts are ongoing to support the security sector by acquiring an integrated air defense system to ensure the protection of airspace sovereignty entirely, in addition to passing the Popular Mobilization Law and affirming its role as an essential and integrated part of the official security structure under the command of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. The Prime Minister concluded by emphasizing that turning the page of long wars, confronting terrorism, and past violations opens the doors to a promising phase centered on consolidating civil peace, directing state capabilities and resources toward sustainable development paths, improving living standards and services for citizens, and building a secure future for coming generations, allowing the state to open up to its regional and international surroundings with balanced relations based on common interests and mutual respect.
