In talks over Iraq’s security and state power as factions push for a monopoly on weapons; Muqtada al-Sadr remains a key Shia influencer and former militia leader. Born 1974, son of cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, once led the Mahdi Army.
Armed groups aligned with Iran are facing pressure to surrender weapons and integrate into official state structures. Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi is pushing for a state monopoly on arms, while Muqtada al-Sadr’s Saraya al-Salam has begun separating from political control and moving toward integration with state institutions. The move aims to reduce violence and strengthen state authority amid U.S. and regional tensions.