Weapons process unlikely to be done by September deadline, party leader says

BAGHDAD — Iraq is unlikely to complete the process of bringing weapons under state control by Sept. 30, the head of the Tahadi Movement said, pointing to the unfinished cabinet as one reason.

Haitham al-Daraji told Zagros TV that the date is a difficult political and security milestone and that he does not expect the ministerial lineup to be complete by then, citing the disputes over the defence and interior ministries.

Government messaging has already moved. Security adviser Qasim al-Araji said last month that “Sept. 30 is allocated to the coalition only” and that the date would mark the start of understandings with armed groups, and has since said the Popular Mobilization Forces Commission is the most likely body to receive weapons handed over by factions. Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi has ruled out force, and government spokesperson Haider al-Aboudi said talks are at an advanced stage with disagreement over mechanisms rather than principle.

Saraya al-Salam, Asaib Ahl al-Haq and the Imam Ali Battalions have moved toward compliance; Harakat al-Nujaba, Kataib Hezbollah and Kataib Sayyid al-Shuhada have resisted while U.S. forces remain. The State Administration Coalition said in August that armed activity outside state authority after Sept. 30 could be treated under the Anti-Terrorism Law.