Baghdad: The head of the Supreme Islamic Council, Sheikh Hammam Hammoudi, declared that the termination of foreign presence in Iraq is an irreversible national and constitutional demand. He announced that September 30 would serve as the official date for launching a project aimed at achieving full and comprehensive sovereignty.

According to Iraqi News Agency, during a dialogue forum in Baghdad, Sheikh Hammoudi stressed the importance of addressing the issue of limiting weapons to state control, particularly in a region marked by turbulence and continuous violations of Iraqi sovereignty. He emphasized that the presence of armed foreign groups hostile to neighboring nations threatens the state’s prestige.

Sheikh Hammoudi highlighted the role of the martyrs and the Husayni spirit of the Iraqi people in transforming the weapon restriction issue from a crisis into an opportunity. This opportunity is part of a broader national project to confront all forms of sovereignty violations by any party.

He stated that restricting weapons to the state is one aspect of this comprehensive national initiative. He outlined plans to address this with a realistic vision through understanding, gradual stages, and a unified standard, drawing inspiration from successful global experiences in state-building.

Sheikh Hammoudi reiterated that ending the foreign presence is a non-negotiable national and constitutional requirement. September 30 will mark the official commencement of this sovereignty project, aiming to establish a robust state where those who have made sacrifices play an active role in its institutions.

He called on all Iraqis, including scholars, academics, and the public, to support and celebrate this sovereignty initiative. He emphasized restoring the prestige of national institutions and the importance of a clear government approach to strengthen the Iraqi army’s role in border security and enhance military capabilities.

Sheikh Hammoudi also noted the Coordination Framework’s responsibility for leading the state and developing a long-term vision for Iraq’s future, involving academics and experts. The Framework has initiated its role by forming specialized committees-security, economic, and political-to formulate future strategies, identify challenges, and support state paths.

He concluded by urging all national forces to prioritize popular demands over partisan interests and to work together to maintain national cohesion, asserting that the parliamentary system’s success relies on collective action.