Iranian Commander Qaani Visits Iraq to Discuss Disarmament Plan

Iraqi officials reported that senior Iranian Quds Force commander Esmail Qaani met with representatives of the Iraqi government to discuss the country’s strategy for disarming armed militias and consolidating weaponry under state control. The meetings, held in Baghdad, were part of a broader effort to reduce the proliferation of small arms among non‑state actors and to strengthen the Iraqi security apparatus.

During the discussions, Qaani outlined a framework that would allow the Iraqi Ministry of Interior to oversee the collection and storage of weapons seized from militia groups, while also providing training and logistical support to the Iraqi Armed Forces. The plan is intended to curb the influence of semi‑autonomous militias, improve public security, and align Iraq’s security policy with international norms on disarmament. Iraqi officials emphasized that the initiative would be implemented in a transparent manner, with oversight from the United Nations and regional partners.

The initiative marks a significant step in Iraq’s ongoing efforts to stabilize its security environment. By bringing weapons under state control, the government aims to reduce the risk of armed conflict and enhance the legitimacy of its security forces. The cooperation with Qaani signals a willingness to engage with external actors in pursuit of a more secure and orderly national security framework.