Al-Zaydi: State Control of Weapons Essential to Building a Unified and Stable Iraq

Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaydi said that placing all weapons under state control is a fundamental requirement for building a unified and stable Iraq, stressing the need to strengthen the country’s security and military institutions and reinforce its sovereignty.

In an article published during his visit to France, Al-Zaydi said Iraq-France relations are based on historic ties and a strategic partnership covering the economy, energy, industry and culture. He expressed Baghdad’s desire to open a new chapter of cooperation based on mutual interests, with Iraq acting as an active regional and international partner.

Al-Zaydi said Iraq seeks to contribute to easing regional tensions through dialogue, balance and non-alignment, while rejecting any use of Iraqi territory as a platform for threatening neighboring countries or as a battleground for regional and international rivalries.

He noted that Iraq’s stability is directly linked to European economic and security interests, particularly as the Strait of Hormuz crisis has affected Iraqi oil exports, trade flows and state revenues.

He added that strengthening Iraq’s security, military and cybersecurity capabilities remains a key priority, alongside expanding defense cooperation with international partners following the end of the international coalition’s mission on September 30.