Al-Sudani Announces End of International Coalition Mission, Asserts State Monopoly on Arms

Peregraf — Iraq marked the sixth anniversary of the deaths of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani and Popular Mobilization Forces deputy chief Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, who were killed in a U.S. airstrike near Baghdad Airport on January 3, 2020. The commemorations come amid a renewed official push for national sovereignty and security.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani stated that his government has worked to honor the sacrifices of the deceased and protect the Iraqi people by achieving a long-awaited milestone: full sovereignty. He announced that the International Coalition’s mission in Iraq has reached its conclusion, confirming that Iraqi forces will assume full control of the Ain al-Asad Airbase within the coming days.

Al-Sudani also noted that the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) has completed its mandate, calling the exit a significant step in strengthening Iraq’s independent decision-making.

The Threat of Unauthorized Weapons

The Iraqi Prime Minister warned that the continued presence of weapons outside state control poses a direct threat to Iraq’s sovereignty and internal stability. He argued that such arms undermine state authority and provide a pretext for external interference and foreign attacks on Iraqi soil.

Al-Sudani stressed that addressing the issue of unregulated weapons is essential to safeguarding the country and preventing future security crises.

Consolidating the State’s Monopoly on Force

Emphasizing his government's vision, Al-Sudani stated that restricting the possession of arms exclusively to state institutions is a core pillar of national sovereignty. He clarified that this policy does not target any specific Iraqi group or political actor; rather, it aims to protect the nation and remove the excuses used by those seeking to destabilize Iraq.

He underlined that the disarmament process will be an entirely Iraqi-led initiative. He also noted that the country’s Supreme Religious Authority has repeatedly called for the state to maintain a monopoly on the use of force.

U.S. Envoy Reaffirms Support for Iraq’s Reform

Meanwhile, the U.S. President’s Special Envoy to Iraq, Mark Savaya, issued a New Year’s message on January 1, 2026, reaffirming Washington’s commitment to Iraq’s stability, sovereignty, and unity. He pledged continued cooperation with the Iraqi government within the constitutional and legal framework.

Savaya expressed hope that 2026 would be a year of peace and unity, praising the resilience of the Iraqi people and suggesting the new year could serve as a decisive turning point for the nation.

However, the envoy also identified critical challenges, including regional instability, the spread of uncontrolled weapons, the influence of militias, and entrenched corruption. He emphasized that combating financial crimes—such as smuggling, money laundering, embezzlement, and the plundering of national resources—remains a top priority.

In a direct warning to corrupt officials, Savaya stated, “Your time is over; the era of the Iraqi people has begun.” The comment is being viewed as one of the strongest statements yet from a senior U.S. official regarding accountability and reform.

Savaya concluded by affirming that the United States remains committed to Iraq’s progress, stating, “We are just getting started,” as the country enters 2026 facing a complex mix of political challenges and high public expectations for change.