Iraq’s government has pledged to ensure that all arms are held by the state.
But al-Sudani said that goal cannot be met while a US-led coalition remains stationed in the country, viewed by many Iraqis as an occupying force.
He said the multinational coalition would fully withdraw by September 2026, noting that the threat from Daesh (ISIS or ISIL) militants had largely disappeared.
“There is no Daesh. Security and stability? Thank God it's there ... so give me the excuse for the presence of 86 states,” Sudani told Reuters in Baghdad.
“Then, for sure there will be a clear program to end any arms outside of state institutions. This is the demand of all,” he said, adding that armed factions could join official security bodies or politics if they disarmed.
Iraq continues to face US pressure to dismantle the Popular Mobilization Forces, which were officially integrated into state forces.
Despite this, Washington and Baghdad have agreed on a phased withdrawal of American troops, with a complete departure expected by the end of 2026 and initial reductions already under way.
Asked about the wider regional pressure on non-state groups such as Lebanon’s Hezbollah, Sudani said, “There is time enough, God willing. The situation here is different than Lebanon.”
“Iraq is clear in its stances to maintain security and stability and that state institutions have the decision over war and peace, and that no side can pull Iraq to war or conflict,” he said.