Iraqi Prime Minister to The New York Times: Weapons Control Plan to Extend Through June 30, 2027

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Faleh al\-Zaydi said in an interview with The New York Times that a plan to bring weapons held by armed factions under state control would begin in 90 days\.

Al\-Zaydi gave the interview after arriving in New York on Monday evening to attend meetings of the United Nations General Assembly\.

He said the weapons\-control plan would not begin on September 30, as previously expected, but would instead start after 90 days and continue until June 30 next year\.

During that period, the factions would refrain from attacking U\.S\. forces and would commit not to target American troops stationed in Iraq\.

Al\-Zaydi also said Iraq had lost 60% of its oil exports because of Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which also affected Iraqi oil shipments\. He said Iran’s objective in closing the strait was to push global oil prices higher\.

He also said Iraq wanted to build a strong economy and strengthen its relations with countries around the world\.

Analysts said Al\-Zaydi was expected to raise the issue of delaying the weapons\-control plan with the U\.S\. side during his visit to New York\.

Reports also indicated that Iraq had agreed to comply with U\.S\. economic sanctions imposed on Iran\.