Iraq prepares to declare “full sovereignty”
Iraq prepares to declare “full sovereignty”
2026/08/23
Political and security circles are anticipating the upcoming September 30th milestone as a crucial turning point for ending the military mission of the international coalition and achieving full national sovereignty, in parallel with parliamentary and governmental efforts to pass laws guaranteeing the decision to restrict weapons to the state.
In a dialogue session moderated by the head of the Iraqi Media Network, Abdul Karim Hammadi, as part of the “Eighth Baghdad Dialogue Conference”, President Nizar Amidi affirmed that the decision to restrict weapons to the state represents an Iraqi, constitutional, and popular will that enjoys the blessing of the supreme religious authority in Najaf.
Amidi explained that a national solution requires dialogue and understanding with the factions to hand over their weapons and integrate into the official security apparatus, in recognition of their sacrifices against ISIS. He noted that the withdrawal of the international coalition is proceeding according to schedule. He also stressed Iraq’s rejection of the use of its territory to attack neighboring countries or to become involved in the Iranian-American conflict. For his part, the First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Adnan Faihan al-Dulaimi, revealed that the draft law on service and retirement for the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) will reach Parliament within days. During a dialogue session at the Baghdad Dialogue Conference, al-Dulaimi affirmed that the law represents an urgent need to organize and secure the PMF’s needs in gratitude for its sacrifices. He added that it is a fundamental condition within the package of measures to regulate weapons under state control, alongside the foreign withdrawal and the development of air defense. He indicated that its enactment will put the institution back on the right track and prevent the establishment of brigades for political or electoral purposes.
In a statement to Al-Sabah newspaper, the spokesperson for the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Sabah al-Nu’man, announced the completion of field and operational readiness for all branches of the armed forces in preparation for the September 30th deadline. Al-Nu’man affirmed that the conclusion of the coalition’s military mission is a result of qualitative development and self-sufficiency within the military establishment. He emphasized that the next phase will officially end any justification for the presence of weapons outside the control of the state and will establish bilateral security partnerships based on the principle of equal treatment.
alsabaah.iq
