He affirmed the pursuit of the best strategic relations with Saudi Arabia.

Iraqi President: No retreat from confining weapons to the state

July 4, 2026 - 14:54 | Last updated: July 4, 2026 - 14:54

Iraqi President

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'Okaz' (Jeddah)

Iraqi President Nazar Amidi revealed that after the anti-corruption campaign, his country's authorities will turn to the issue of faction weapons and the security file with Turkey.

In an interview with Al-Arabiya/Al-Hadath channels today, Saturday, Amidi stressed that there is no going back on the decision to confine weapons to the state, emphasizing that 'confining weapons is the most important file awaiting the government.'

He affirmed that Baghdad will handle the armed factions file wisely. He revealed that 'Iran has received messages from Baghdad about the necessity of starting negotiations on borders, sovereignty, and factions.' He reiterated that there is no retreat from fighting corruption, which he considered no less dangerous than terrorism. He admitted that the Iraqi security situation remains fragile. He pointed out that Iraq rejects the use of its territory to target neighboring countries. He added that 'the security of the Gulf is part of Iraq's security, and Iraq's security is part of the region's security.'

Amidi announced that 'Iraq will not be with Iran against Washington, nor with Washington against Iran.'

He affirmed that Iraqi authorities seek the best strategic relations with Saudi Arabia.

Three armed factions announced last month their acceptance of handing over weapons: Saraya al-Salam, Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq, and Kata'ib Imam Ali. Meanwhile, six other factions confirmed their refusal to hand over weapons: Kata'ib Sayyid al-Shuhada, Harakat al-Nujaba, Kata'ib Hezbollah Iraq, Saraya Awliya al-Dam, Ashab al-Kahf, which had extensive participation in the Iran-US-Israel war that erupted on February 28 last year, in addition to Kata'ib Karbala.

It is noted that Washington pressured for the handover of weapons from the loyalist factions. Following attacks by some of these factions on American interests during the recent war, Washington suspended cash payments of Iraqi oil revenues, which it had been handling under an agreement dating back to the post-US invasion era, in addition to security assistance, before returning and lifting this suspension last Thursday.

Iraq Amidi confining weapons anti-corruption