How Iraq's September 30 Weapons Deadline Slipped

The U.S. withdrawal demanded by parliament in 2020 was completed on schedule. The deadline for the armed factions' weapons moved to June 2027.

1. 5 Jan 2020Parliament votes to end foreign military presence
   Passed two days after the killing of Soleimani and Muhandis, backed by Shia blocs; Kurdish blocs and most Sunni MPs boycotted. The resolution also required exclusive state control of weapons.
2. 10 Feb 2024Parliament calls for the 2020 resolution to be implemented
3. Sep 2024Baghdad and Washington agree two-phase end to coalition mission
   Final phase, supporting operations in Syria from Iraq, to end in September 2026.
4. Nov 2025Sudani links weapons to the withdrawal
   Pledges state control of weapons once the coalition leaves.

1. 29 JunGovernment names 30 September as the last date for handover
   Spokesman Haidar al-Aboudi says weapons held after that date will be considered irregular.
2. 5 AugGoverning coalition threatens anti-terrorism law
   Armed activity outside official institutions after 30 September could be treated under the law.
3. 19 AugIran's parliament speaker Ghalibaf arrives in Baghdad
   Reported to urge leaving weapons with the factions or depositing them with the PMF.
4. 21 AugAboudi: 30 September concerns the U.S. withdrawal only
5. 22 AugDeputy Speaker: weapons to be stored in PMF warehouses
6. 23 AugAraji calls weapons control a gradual process after withdrawal
7. 9 SepNujaba: talks shift from confining to regulating weapons
   Describes 30 September as the start of talks that could last months.
8. 18 SepAraji: no fixed period for the weapons committee
9. 21 SepZaidi and Rubio meet; new endpoint set at 30 June 2027
   U.S. envoy Tom Barrack confirms Washington's agreement to the timetable.
10. 30 SepLast U.S. troops leave; weapons still held by the factions
    Government announces an integration agreement; the Islamic Resistance in Iraq rejects any government timetable.