Baghdad / NINA /- Prime Minister Ali Falih Al-Zaidi said that achieving full national sovereignty represents a major national accomplishment for which all Iraqis can take pride, praising the role of the senior religious authority, the armed forces and other key forces in confronting ISIS and defending the country.

In a statement issued on Thursday to mark the end of the international coalition’s mission in Iraq, Al-Zaidi said that “October 1, 2026, is a historic day for the Iraqi people, marking the end of the international coalition’s mission in Iraq and the complete and final withdrawal of its forces by land, air and sea, and the achievement of full and comprehensive Iraqi sovereignty.”

He said the achievement was made possible “by the grace of God and the prominent and important role of the senior religious authority,” which, he added, mobilized Iraqis to defend their country through the fatwa calling for sufficient jihad.

Al-Zaidi noted that Iraqi citizens and various active forces, alongside the country’s armed forces, formed the core of the effort to confront ISIS and played a role throughout the difficult stages Iraq had faced.

He said October 1, 2026, marks “a serious beginning to address the issue of weapons outside state control and to uphold constitutional obligations,” in accordance with a clear roadmap and agreed timelines that must be completed no later than June 30, 2027.

The prime minister stressed adherence to the constitutional principle that decisions of war and peace rest with the constitutional authorities, while ruling out any military action outside that framework.

Al-Zaidi said the Iraqi government would work to fully disarm all non-Iraqi armed groups operating on Iraqi territory, in a manner that safeguards the country’s security and stability and strengthens control over its borders.

He also reaffirmed the government’s constitutional commitment to preventing Iraqi territory and airspace from being used as a launching point or transit route for any action threatening the security of neighboring countries. At the same time, he rejected the use of any country’s territory or airspace to launch attacks against Iraq, citing the principles of mutual sovereignty, good-neighborly relations and non-interference in internal affairs.

Al-Zaidi said the government would begin supporting the security institutions by purchasing a comprehensive air-defense system to strengthen Iraq’s full air sovereignty. He also said legislation would be introduced to regulate the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) and establish their position within the national security apparatus as an integral part of it, operating under the command of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.

He added that, as Iraq concludes a long period of wars, confrontation with terrorism and violations of national sovereignty—accompanied by heavy sacrifices—the country is looking toward a new phase focused on consolidating national sovereignty, strengthening civil peace, stability and prosperity, and directing state capabilities and resources toward sustainable development.

The new phase, he said, should also focus on improving citizens’ living conditions, providing essential services and building a safe and stable future for generations to come.

Al-Zaidi concluded by saying that October 1 marks “the beginning of a new phase in Iraq’s journey as a fully sovereign state, strong in its institutions, governed by the Constitution, the law and the principles of international law, and open to its regional and international surroundings through balanced relations based on mutual interests and respect.”/ End



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