Baghdad-INA
Iraqi National Security Adviser Qasim al-Araji said on Tuesday that the issue of restricting weapons to state control would be of “very high importance” in the context of forming the next government.
Speaking during his participation via videoconference in a session hosted by the Atlantic Council , followed by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), al-Araji said, “I extend my thanks to the Atlantic Council for this kind invitation, and my appreciation also goes to Ms. Victoria Taylor and the working team for their keenness to have me participate in this important session.”
He added that “the circumstances of the current phase related to the formation of the next government prevented me from attending the session in person,” while also welcoming “all attendees, including researchers, decision-makers and international partners.”
He said the end of the war against ISIS in 2017 did not mean the end of the challenges, but rather revealed a more complex challenge represented by how the state transitions from an emergency phase to one of fully monopolizing weapons and security decision-making.
Al-Araji added that Iraq did not choose to be an arena for regional and international conflict, but rather a platform for dialogue and communication, noting that the government had clearly declared that Iraq seeks to distance itself from conflict while benefiting from and investing in its good relations with the Iran and the United States to ease tensions and reduce escalation.
Al-Araji stressed that Iraq “firmly rejects the use of its territory to carry out attacks against any state or party,” adding that this position is not merely diplomatic but a constitutional and sovereign commitment that allows no compromise.
He noted that the Iraqi government views long-term institutional reform as a major national priority, approached not through random confrontation that could threaten stability, but through the logic of statehood and sovereignty.
He noted that the government has launched a comprehensive reform framework based on two main pillars:
First, the “Iraq First” National Security Strategy for 2025–2030, which places Iraqi sovereignty and national interest above all considerations, linking security with development, stability, and governance.
Second, the Security Sector Reform Strategy for 2024–2032, which aims to build a professional and unified security sector under civilian authority and the rule of law, ensuring a single military decision-making structure and that all weapons remain under state control.
He added in his remarks: “We recognize that addressing the issue of restricting weapons to state control requires containment and a precise balance between firmness and preserving internal stability, and between enforcing the law and preventing a slide into chaos.”
He noted that “in the context of forming the next Iraqi government, the issue of restricting weapons to state control will be of very great importance,” stressing that Iraq, which seeks to build strong strategic partnerships with friendly and brotherly countries and the international community, understands that such partnerships cannot be consolidated without a strong state that monopolizes arms and enforces the rule of law.
He said that “official Iraq, with its institutions, constitution, and elected governments, is a reliable partner that seeks stability, rejects aggression, and aims for balanced relations with the world,” noting that “supporting a strong, stable, and sovereign Iraq is not a political courtesy, but a real investment in the security and stability of the region.”
He added that Iraq today “does not ask its friends to ignore the challenges, but rather to understand the circumstances that have accompanied the Iraqi state, including al-Qaeda, ISIS, and other terrorist groups, as well as the surrounding regional conditions,” calling for support for the reform project the Iraqi government is steadily pursuing, “regardless of the challenges.”