Al-Zaidi: 90-day period to begin arms control process, disarmament to be completed by 2027

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Falih Al-Zaidi said the government has established a timeline for placing all weapons under state control, beginning with a 90-day period during which armed factions would refrain from launching attacks, alongside guarantees that they would not be targeted by U.S. forces.

According to remarks cited by The New York Times, Al-Zaidi said the next phase would involve armed factions beginning to hand over their weapons, with the disarmament process scheduled to be completed by June 30, 2027. He added that groups continuing their activities after the deadline would be considered outside the law.

On the economic front, the prime minister said Iraq had lost around 60% of its oil revenues as a result of the war. He also said Iraqi oil tankers had been prevented from passing through the Strait of Hormuz, which he linked to higher oil prices.

Separately, during a meeting with Arab League Secretary-General Nabil Fahmy, Al-Zaidi reaffirmed Iraq’s commitment to its principled positions on key Arab issues and called for dialogue to address regional crises. He also stressed the government’s openness to partnership and economic investment initiatives aimed at supporting greater Arab integration.

The meeting also addressed developments across the Arab region, the crises and challenges facing the Middle East, and ways to strengthen joint Arab action in support of sustainable national development. Al-Zaidi reaffirmed Iraq’s support for the Arab League’s role and its efforts to expand joint programs.