Latest news in Iraq? September 22nd, 2026

Key developments in Iraq around September 22, 2026:

• Disarmament Framework and US Troop Exit: Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi outlined a plan to disarm independent armed groups and integrate fighters into the Popular Mobilization Forces by 2027. The initiative begins with a 90-day moratorium on attacks starting September 30, coinciding with the scheduled departure of remaining US-led coalition forces.

  NEWS.am

• High-Level Talks at the UN General Assembly: Prime Minister Zaidi met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York. Discussions focused on the impending US military withdrawal, state control over weapons, regional security, and bilateral economic cooperation.

  Al-Monitor+ 1

• Aviation Sanctions Enforcement: Iraqi authorities confirmed the enforcement of flight suspensions affecting US-sanctioned Iranian carriers at Baghdad and regional airports, aligning with Washington’s broader secondary-sanctions deadlines.

  Al Arabiya

• Internal Security and Gun Control: The Iraqi Ministry of Interior announced steps toward assuming full security responsibility in Salah al-Din province and expanding national weapons registration programs to bring uncontrolled firearms under official oversight.

  Ajel English