Iraq Says PMF Strikes Were Unknown to Government, Reaffirms September Arms Deadline

Peregraf — The Iraqi government had no prior knowledge of the joint US-Saudi strikes on Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) headquarters, government spokesperson Haider al-Aboudi said Monday, adding that Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi has instructed the Foreign Ministry to submit a memorandum to the UN Security Council over the attacks.

“The government had no prior knowledge or awareness of the Saudi-American bombing of the Popular Mobilization Forces headquarters,” al-Aboudi said at a press conference.

He said the prime minister had instructed the Foreign Ministry to formally raise the issue with the Security Council.

Al-Aboudi also said Iraq’s government remains committed to placing weapons exclusively under state control, saying dialogue on the issue is continuing and that the government is working toward meeting a September 30 deadline for the state to assume control of armed sites and activities.

“The government’s vision regarding restricting weapons exclusively to the state is a legal stance aimed at protecting the assets of the Iraqi people and reassuring neighboring countries that Iraq will not serve as a launchpad for aggression against other nations,” he said.

On security, al-Aboudi said the commander-in-chief of the armed forces had ordered relevant authorities to strengthen Iraq’s air-defense capabilities. He added that security and military coordination is continuing ahead of the planned takeover of sites currently occupied by International Coalition forces by September 30.

The spokesman also said Iraq would not join regional “axes or alignments” and would continue to support political and economic cooperation.

Salaries and Economic Situation

Al-Aboudi dismissed reports that government employees would be paid every 40 days, saying civil servants’ salaries are secured.

He said the government is working with the Finance Ministry and Central Bank to contain the country’s financial pressures and has not resorted to foreign borrowing despite the economic crisis.

He acknowledged that Iraq’s oil exports have been affected by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, saying Baghdad is working with Turkey on alternative export routes, strategic pipelines, and other projects intended to strengthen state revenues.

Anti-Corruption Campaign

Al-Aboudi said the government’s anti-corruption campaign remains active and is targeting individuals accused of profiting at the expense of public funds.

He said Iraqi judicial and government authorities have begun submitting legal requests to Interpol and foreign governments seeking the extradition of individuals wanted in corruption cases.

He also said political consensus remains under discussion among Iraq’s political forces, while the government continues operating despite nine vacant ministerial positions.

According to al-Aboudi, Prime Minister al-Zaidi has instructed deputy ministers to attend Cabinet meetings to help maintain government operations.

He added that the State Administration Coalition’s coordination with the Coordination Framework remains an important component of supporting the government’s ministerial program.