Iraqi PM al-Zaidi says Iraq's territory will not be used to threaten neighbours

Iraqi Prime Minister al-Zaidi said in a statement that the withdrawal of US forces from Iraq marks the beginning of a new chapter in the country's journey. He described October 1 as a serious beginning for addressing the issue of weapons outside state control, and outlined a roadmap with agreed-upon timelines not exceeding June 30, 2027, to disarm non-Iraqi armed groups and enforce constitutional principles that restrict decisions of war and peace to state authorities.

Al-Zaidi also announced that Baghdad will start the process of supporting security institutions by purchasing a complete air defence system to reinforce aerial sovereignty. He emphasised that the Iraqi government affirms its constitutional commitment to preventing the use of Iraqi territory and airspace as a launching pad or transit route for any action that threatens the security of neighbouring countries.

The statement comes amid regional tensions and follows the US withdrawal from Iraq. The roadmap aims to bring armed groups outside state control into compliance with constitutional principles, with a deadline set for mid-2027. The purchase of an air defence system is intended to strengthen Iraq's ability to protect its airspace.

According to Mehr News, the Iraqi prime minister's remarks underscore the government's focus on asserting state authority over security matters and ensuring that Iraqi territory is not used as a base for actions against neighbouring states.