Baghdad: The head of the Reconstruction and Development Coalition, Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, emphasized on Tuesday that confining weapons to state control is crucial for building a robust Iraq and ensuring the country’s stability. This assertion comes as the international coalition’s mission in Iraq is set to conclude on September 30, 2026, a development al-Sudani views as a pivotal step towards reclaiming Iraq’s full sovereignty.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, al-Sudani articulated that the impending end of the coalition’s mission signifies a move towards strengthening Iraq’s independent national decision-making. He underscored that accomplishing this goal necessitates entrusting weapons and their use solely to the state and its constitutional entities. Al-Sudani clarified that this initiative is not intended to marginalize any group but is essential for cultivating a state capable of safeguarding its citizens and preventing Iraq from being a battleground for external disputes.

Al-Sudani highlighted the importance of conducting a comprehensive national dialogue, involving all political and social factions, to address this critical issue. He warned against employing threats, accusations, and inflammatory rhetoric, which could be exploited by Iraq’s adversaries. He stressed that significant challenges should be resolved through wisdom and prioritizing national interests rather than through dominance.

He cautioned that Iraq’s primary threat is not internal differences but the potential for these differences to escalate into sectarian strife. He urged the preservation of national unity and civil peace, emphasizing the collective responsibility of influential political and social forces in this regard.

Al-Sudani reiterated that Iraqis, including those still armed, have sacrificed greatly for the nation’s security and stability. He firmly stated that regional disputes should not be allowed to plunge Iraq back into internal conflict. He expressed confidence in Iraq’s capacity to transition into a fully sovereign state with strong security and military institutions, while fostering balanced relations with neighboring countries and the international community.

Al-Sudani concluded by asserting that Iraq can prevent sectarian tensions and external conflicts through the concerted efforts of its people and a unified national resolve.