Prime Minister Ali al‑Zaidi has turned down a proposal to keep certain International Coalition forces in Iraq past September 30, the government’s spokesperson Haider al‑Aboudi announced on Monday.
Al‑Aboudi confirmed that the prime minister turned down the extension request, as reported by the Iraqi News Agency (INA). He noted that the government is closely tracking regional events and emphasized that “Iraq will not become involved in the conflict.”
Al‑Aboudi said the pull‑out is progressing as planned, with former Coalition bases being handed over to Iraqi security forces.
He described September 30 as a pivotal milestone for Iraqi sovereignty, marking the anticipated full conclusion of the International Coalition’s presence in the country.
The spokesperson also outlined the government’s push to place all weapons under state authority, stating that officials are continuing efforts to regulate weapon ownership and consolidate security decision‑making.
Al‑Aboudi emphasized that the matter is a key priority in the government’s agenda, vital for bolstering national sovereignty and restoring the state’s sole authority over the use of force.
He noted that the Iraqi Constitution empowers the official armed forces to wield this authority and forbids the formation of armed groups outside the recognized security apparatus.
The government is maintaining dialogue with armed factions on the issue, Al‑Aboudi said, describing the discussions as constructive and noting that the goal is to resolve the matter before September 30.
He characterized the current phase as a transitional period grounded in cooperation, adding that decisions on armed groups and the coalition withdrawal will be guided by Iraq’s national interests.