BAGHDAD, Feb 23, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Iraq's candidate for the premiership, Nouri al-Maliki, told AFP Monday that he seeks a state monopoly on weapons, a key US demand, and that he believes an understanding with armed factions is achievable. We want weapons in the hands of the state. We have said it repeatedly: we want one army under one command, directly under state authority," he said. "It's quite possible" to achieve a deal with pro-Iran armed factions, he added. "There is a good basis for understanding with the factions" but this cannot happen "through force, war, or confrontations", he said.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha February 23, 2026 12:34 UTC