Shafaq News- Baghdad

Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani and Iraqi ParliamentSpeaker Haibet Al-Halbousi stressed the need for stronger political consensusand closer Baghdad–Erbil coordination during talks in the Iraqi capital onMonday.

According to a statement, both sides agreed the next phase should rest on “genuinepartnership,” with priority given to passing key legislation that protectsconstitutional rights for all components. They also called for unifiedpositions to resolve outstanding issues in line with the constitution.

Discussions also covered regional developments, with both leadersemphasizing the need to safeguard Iraq’s security and stability and to keep thecountry removed from escalating tensions.

Barzani is on a two-day visit to the Iraqi capital to discuss keypolitical files, including relations between the federal government and theKurdistan Region. Earlier today, he discussed the government formation with caretakerPrime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, Prime Minister-designate Ali Al-Zaidi,and other political figures.

Shafaq News- Baghdad

Iraq’s next government is likely to be presented incomplete, aspolitical forces intensify negotiations to appoint multiple deputies for PrimeMinister-designate Ali al-Zaidi in a bid to maintain factional “balance,”political sources revealed to Shafaq News on Monday.

A source within the Coordination Framework (CF) —a coalition ofmainly Shiite political parties that forms the largest bloc in parliament— saidtalks between party leaders and the bloc’s technical and political committeeshave escalated to select three to four deputy prime ministers, with somepositions intended as “consolatory” arrangements to satisfy competing factions.

Key contenders include Mohsen al-Mandalawi, backed by the State ofLaw Coalition led by former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, Sunni leaderMuthanna al-Samarrai of the Al-Azm Alliance, and caretaker Foreign MinisterFuad Hussein from the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), noting that a fourthcandidate remains under discussion.

Meanwhile, a source from the National Political Council, a Sunniumbrella bloc formed after the 2025 parliamentary elections, confirmed thatmost blocs have submitted nominees for ministerial and independent posts, withal-Zaidi’s team, alongside the Framework’s technical committee, reviewing andassessing candidates.

Despite this progress, political disagreements persist —both withinindividual blocs and between rival factions— particularly over key sovereignand service ministries, raising the likelihood that al-Zaidi will submit acabinet exceeding half of the lineup but short of a full formation.

Parliament is expected to hold a confidence vote next week, withal-Zaidi set to present his cabinet and government program by the end of thisweek.

The Coordination Framework granted al-Zaidi broader authority toshape his cabinet following his nomination on April 27, while negotiationscontinue under a points-based system that allocates ministries according toparliamentary weight. Service ministries typically require at least 10 seats,while sovereign portfolios require more than 15.

Cabinet formation in Iraq is traditionally governed by the muhasasasystem, a post-2003 power-sharing arrangement that distributes positions amongthe country’s main political and ethnic blocs.

Read more: Ali al-Zaidi named Iraq's prime minister: Easynomination, harder road ahead

Shafaq News-Baghdad

Iraq'sCouncil of Representatives announced Monday that a confidence vote on the newfederal government will be held next week, with prime minister-designate Alial-Zaidi expected to submit his cabinet lineup and governing program by the endof this week.

Speaker Haibetal-Halbousi, presiding over a session on Monday attended by 217 out of 329lawmakers, said the parliamentary committees on strategic planning and thegovernmental program would review the submission before it is put to a vote.

Muhammadal-Shammari, a lawmaker from the Parliamentary Services bloc (Khadamat), toldShafaq News that the incoming cabinet is expected to comprise 22 ministerialportfolios, distributed as follows: 12 for Shiite Coordination Frameworkfactions, 6 for Sunni blocs, and 4 for Kurdish parties.

A politicalsource who spoke to Shafaq News earlier this week said the Ministry of HigherEducation would go to the Taqaddum party —led by Mohammad al-Halbousi andholding 27 seats— while the Ministry of Defense would be allocated to the al-AzmAlliance, led by Muthanna al-Samarrai, which holds 15 seats.

Al-Zaidi wasnominated last week by the Framework following the withdrawal of both caretakerPrime Minister Muhammad Shia al-Sudani and State of Law leader Nouri al-Malikifrom contention.

Shafaq News- Baghdad

The Reconstruction and Development Coalition (RDC), led bycaretaker Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, will hold five ministerialposts in Iraq’s upcoming government, Ahmed Al-Dulfi, a lawmaker from thecoalition, revealed to Shafaq News on Monday.

He said the ministries are Oil, Labor and Social Affairs,Industry and Minerals, adding that negotiations over other portfolios areongoing.

“Al-Sudani will remain the political head of the coalitionand will not serve as a minister in the new government,” Al-Dulfi stated.

The Coordination Framework, the largest bloc holding about162 of parliament’s 329 seats, granted the Iraqi Prime Minister-designate, AliAl-Zaidi, broader authority in selecting his cabinet following his nomination.

According to sources, the new cabinet will consist of 22ministries, including 12 for the Shiite Coordination Framework, six for Sunniblocs, and four for Kurdish parties.

Cabinet positions in Iraq are typically distributed throughpolitical agreements under the muhasasa system, a post-2003 power-sharingarrangement among the country’s major political and ethnic blocs.

Shafaq News- Baghdad (Updated at 19:20)

Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani met Iraqi PrimeMinister-designate Ali Al-Zaidi in Baghdad on Monday to discuss efforts to formthe next federal government.

The two sides agreed on the importance of expediting theformation of a competent national government capable of representing allcomponents of Iraqi society and meeting citizens' demands. They also stressedthe need to protect the constitutional rights and entitlements of all partiesin resolving the longstanding Erbil-Baghdad file.

Barzani ison a two-day visit to the Iraqi capital to discuss key political files,including government formation and relations between the federal government andthe Kurdistan Region. Earlier today, he discussed political developments with caretaker PrimeMinister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, with both stressing the need to accelerategovernment formation in a way that meets the expectations of all components ofthe Iraqi people.

استقبلنا رئيس إقليم كردستان العراق السيد نيجيرفان بارزاني.وجرى بحث مجمل الأوضاع في البلاد، وأهمية تضافر الجهود بهدف تشكيل حكومة وطنية تكون جامعة لمختلف المكونات العراقية، وتلبي تطلعات المواطنين. وكذلك جرى التأكيد على أهمية تكثيف العمل لتلبية متطلبات المرحلة الراهنة، بما… pic.twitter.com/NHTkfORKwu

— علي فالح الزيدي (@AliFalihAlzaidy) May 4, 2026

On Saturday,Al-Zaidi visited Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Region, wherehe met Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) leader Masoud Barzani, the president, and Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, beforetraveling to Al-Sulaymaniyah for talks with Patriotic Union ofKurdistan (PUK) leader Bafel Talabani as part of ongoing consultations on thegovernment program and cabinet lineup.

Shafaq News- Baghdad/ Erbil

Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzan and Iraq’scaretaker Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani on Monday discussed political developments and efforts toform a new federal government.

Both sides stressed the need toaccelerate government formation in a way that meets the expectations of allcomponents of the Iraqi people.

The talks also covered political,economic, and development achievements during the current government’s term,with Barzani noting Al-Sudani’s role in managing understandings between Baghdadand Erbil within constitutional and legal frameworks.

Barzani is on a two-day visit toBaghdad to discuss key political files, including government formation andrelations between the federal government and the Kurdistan Region. He isexpected to hold a series of meetings with Iraqi political leaders and officials,including figures from the Shiite Coordination Framework and PrimeMinister-designate Ali Al-Zaidi, as well as other political forces.

Shafaq News-Baghdad

A member ofIraq's parliament demanded Monday that Baghdad's governor be forcibly retired,accusing him of clinging to office in violation of a retirement law that appliesto every state employee in the country without exception.

Thairal-Kaabi, representing the National Approach bloc (Al-Nahj Al-Watani), told apress conference that Governor Atwan al-Atwani has passed the legally mandatedretirement age and that his continued tenure is "an open breach" of RetirementLaw No. 9 of 2014. The law, al-Kaabi said, covers all civil servants, and thegovernor —as the highest executive official in his administrative unit— is notexempt. “There is no legal basis for the exception, and no justification forthe delay.”

Al-Atwaniisa senior figure in the State of Law Coalition (SLC), led by former PrimeMinister Nouri al-Maliki. He previously served as Baghdad’s governor in 2017and returned to the post after the retirement of former governor Abdul-Muttalibal-Alawi, who is also affiliated with the coalition.

Baghdad,home to nearly a quarter of Iraq's population and the seat of federal power, isamong the most politically consequential governorships in the country.

Al-Kaabiwarned that allowing the situation to continue risks eroding public confidencein state institutions and creating a precedent that the law bends for thosewith the right political backing, which strikes at the principle of equaltreatment under the law. "Respecting and applying the law fairly," hesaid, "is the foundation of a state of institutions."

Shafaq News-Baghdad

PrimeMinister-designate Ali al-Zaidi has informed leaders of the CoordinationFramework of his intention to present his ministerial cabinet on May 9, withparliament scheduled to hold a confidence vote the following week, according toa member of the parliamentary Services Bloc (Khadamat).

"Al-Zaidihas the constitutional time required to finalize his government lineup andsubmit it to the Council of Representatives within the designated period,"MP Mohammed al-Shammari told Shafaq News on Monday. Intensive political effortsare underway, he added, to resolve all remaining ministerial appointmentsbefore the confidence session.

Cabinetportfolio allocation remains incomplete, with negotiations still active acrosspolitical blocs. The incoming government, according to the source, is set to comprise 22 ministries,distributed as follows: 12 for the Shiite Coordination Framework factions, sixfor Sunni blocs, and four for Kurdish parties.

On the Sunniside, the Ministry of Higher Education is set to go to the Taqaddum Party —ledby Mohammed al-Halbousi, who holds 27 parliamentary seats— while the DefenseMinistry is slated for the al-Azm Alliance, led by Muthanna al-Samarrai, whichholds 15 seats, according to a political source who spoke to Shafaq Newsearlier this week.

Al-Zaidi isexpected to meet with Sunni leaders, including al-Halbousi, whose party hasraised the ceiling of its cabinet demands, a development, the source revealed, that has generatedfriction in political backchannels as Sunni portfolio negotiations enter directbargaining, the sources said.

Kurdishdemands in the talks center on portfolio weight, not just portfolio count. TheKurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), which secured 26 seats, is pushing to retainthe foreign affairs and construction and housing ministries, seekingrepresentation commensurate with its electoral standing and a broader roleacross executive institutions.

Read more: Ali al-Zaidi named Iraq's prime minister: Easy nomination, harder road ahead

Shafaq News- Baghdad

Mohammed al-Halbousi, leader of the Taqaddum (Progress) Party, isseeking a senior post in Iraq’s next government, including a deputy presidencyor deputy premiership, a source from the National Political Council* revealed toShafaq News on Sunday.

The proposal has been relayed through intermediaries to influentialfigures within the Shiite Coordination Framework (CF) —the largestparliamentary bloc with about 162 seats out of 329— for discussion with PrimeMinister-designate Ali al-Zaidi.

Parallel contacts by Parliament Speaker Haibet al-Halbousi withseveral Shiite leaders also explored reactivating the two vice-presidentialposts, with one potentially assigned to Mohammed al-Halbousi. These discussionsremain within political circles.

Competition persists within Sunni ranks, particularly from Sarmadal-Khanjar, leader of the Sovereignty (Siyada) Alliance, and son of formeralliance leader Khamis al-Khanjar, who is also seeking the position if itcarries executive powers.

Negotiations are ongoing over distributing ministries based on a“points” system tied to parliamentary representation, under which serviceministries require at least 10 seats, while sovereign portfolios require morethan 15. Against this backdrop, al-Halbousi’s bid may face resistance from somepolitical forces, especially as his party has already secured the speakership,which typically limits its remaining share to a sovereign ministry, accordingto the source.

In a separate development, another political source told our agencythat Sunni factions within the National Council met at the residence of Khamisal-Khanjar to draft a unified list of demands and conditions for the governmentformation process, in preparation for submission to al-Zaidi and theCoordination Framework. The meeting was boycotted by the Al-Azm Alliance, ledby Muthanna al-Samarrai.

Cabinet positions in Iraq are typically distributed throughpolitical agreements under the muhasasa system, a post-2003 power-sharingarrangement among the country’s major political and ethnic blocs. Earlierindications suggest Taqaddum (27 seats) may secure the Higher EducationMinistry, while Al-Azm (15 seats) is likely to obtain the Defense Ministry inal-Zaidi’s government, which must be formed within one month from April 27.

Read more: Ali al-Zaidi named Iraq's prime minister: Easy nomination, harder road ahead

*The National Political Council is a Sunni umbrella bloc formedafter the 2025 parliamentary elections to unify positions, coordinate politicaldemands, and represent Sunni forces in negotiations with other major blocs. Itholds a total of 77 seats in parliament.

Shafaq News- Baghdad/ Paris

French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday welcomed the designation of Iraqi Prime Minister-designate Ali al-Zaidi, describing the task of forming a new government as a “crucial mission” amid a “particularly demanding” regional context.

Je me suis entretenu avec Ali Zaydi, Premier ministre chargé de former le prochain gouvernement irakien. Je l’ai félicité pour sa nomination et lui ai adressé tous mes vœux de réussite dans cette mission décisive pour l’avenir de l’Irak,…

— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) May 3, 2026

Al-Zaidi’s nomination follows weeks of deadlock within the Shiite Coordination Framework, the largest bloc in parliament, which holds about 162 of parliament’s 329 seats, after outgoing Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and former premier Nouri al-Maliki withdrew from the race.

Read more: Ali al-Zaidi named Iraq's prime minister

Macron also stressed the need for swift results in the investigation into the attack that killed and injured several French soldiers on March 12 in the Kurdistan Region during the Iran-US-Israel war, emphasizing that a stable, sovereign Iraq that is in control of its destiny is “essential for the security of the Middle East as well as Europe.”

Shafaq News- Al-Sulaymaniyah

Prime Minister-designate AliAl-Zaidi on Saturday said Kurdish parties have expressed support for Iraq’sincoming government and will take part in its formation.

In his first remarks toreporters on the sidelines of meetings with Kurdish officials inAl-Sulaymaniyah, Al-Zaidi pledged to form an inclusive government and advance a“strong and resilient” economic program. He added that no personal demands havebeen raised and that he will not respond to any.

Earlier today, Al-Zaidiarrived in Erbil, where he met Kurdistan Democratic Party leader MasoudBarzani, President Nechirvan Barzani, and Prime Minister Masrour Barzani,before traveling to Al-Sulaymaniyah for talks with Patriotic Union of Kurdistanleader Bafel Talabani as part of ongoing consultations on the governmentprogram and cabinet lineup.

Read more: Al-Zaidi named prime minister: Easy nomination, harder road ahead

Shafaq News- Baghdad

The Sadiqoon bloc is seeking to secure the Education andIndustry ministries in Iraq’s next government as part of its electoralentitlement, a lawmaker from the bloc told Shafaq News on Saturday.

MP Zainab Al-Moussawi said the demand followed a meeting between the bloc's lawmakers and Qais Al-Khazali, the movement's secretary-general, to discuss the share of the bloc in the new government.

Earlier this week, sources told Shafaq News that theSadiqoon Movement, which holds 27 parliamentary seats, is expected to take theLabor and Industry ministries, in addition to a second deputy prime ministerposition.

The Coordination Framework, the largest bloc holding about162 of parliament’s 329 seats, granted the Iraqi Prime Minister-designate, AliAl-Zaidi, broader authority in selecting his cabinet following his nomination.

According to the sources, Al-Zaidi has begun formal steps toform the government by establishing two teams to draft the government programand nominate ministers. Negotiations are ongoing over distributing ministriesbased on a points system tied to parliamentary representation, under whichservice ministries require at least 10 seats, while sovereign portfoliosrequire more than 15.

Read more: Iraq's prime minister: Easy nomination, harder road ahead

Shafaq News- Erbil

Prime Minister-designate Ali Faleh al-Zaidi and Kurdish Prime MinisterMasrour Barzani on Saturday underscored the need to align positions and advancepolitical talks aimed at forming Iraq’s next government.

During a meeting in Erbil, both sides focused on ongoing negotiationsamong Iraq’s political blocs, alongside efforts to shape a government thatreflects the national priorities and public expectations. The discussions alsoaddressed Baghdad–Erbil relations.

Earlier today, al-Zaidi arrived in Erbil with a delegation from theruling Shiite Coordination Framework (CF) for talks with Kurdish leaders onshaping the country’s next government. He met with Kurdistan Democratic Party(KDP) leader Masoud Barzani and is expected to travel next to Al-Sulaymaniyahfor discussions with Bafel Talabani, head of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan(PUK).

Read more: Ali al-Zaidi named Iraq's prime minister: Easy nomination, harder road ahead

Shafaq News- Erbil

Iraq’s Prime Minister-designate Ali Faleh al-Zaidiand Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) leader Masoud Barzani on Saturday urgedfaster progress in forming a new Iraqi government, stressing the need for anadministration capable of maintaining stability.

During a meeting in Erbil, both sides pointed tothe importance of closer alignment among political forces and the formation ofa “strong” cabinet that can support development and respond to publicexpectations.

Earlier today, al-Zaidi arrived in Erbil with adelegation from the Shiite Coordination Framework (CF) for talks with Kurdishleaders on shaping the next federal government. He is expected to travel next toAl-Sulaymaniyah for discussions with Bafel Talabani, head of the PatrioticUnion of Kurdistan (PUK).

Shafaq News- Erbil

Iraq’s Prime Minister-designate Ali Faleh al-Zaidi arrived in Erbil on Saturday to hold talks with Kurdish leaders to form Iraq’s next federal government.

A statement from the prime minister’s media office indicated that a delegation from the ruling Shiite Coordination Framework (CF) accompanied Zaidi on the visit.

Read more: Into 2026, Baghdad and Erbil face the same disputes

رئيس الوزراء المكلف @AliFalihAlzaidy يصل الى إقليم كردستان العراق يرافقه وفد من الإطار التنسيقي.

— المكتب الإعلامي لرئيس الوزراء 🇮🇶 (@IraqiPMO) May 2, 2026

Shafaq News’ correspondent reported that Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, along with government officials and senior figures from the leading Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), received al-Zaidi and his delegation upon arrival at Erbil International Airport.

Yesterday, CF granted Al-Zaidi authority to select his cabinet following his nomination for prime minister after the withdrawal of caretaker Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani and former Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki.

Read more: Who is Ali Al-Zaidi?

Shafaq News- Tehran/ Baghdad

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Friday congratulated Ali Faleh al-Zaidi on his designation to form Iraq’s new government, wishing him office success.

Araghchi expressedTehran's support for political stability in Baghdad, affirming hiscountry’s “respect for Iraqi sovereignty...in a waythat serves the interests of both nations."

ارحّب باختيار الإطار التنسيقي لتسمية رئيس مجلس الوزراء، واهنّئ أخي علي فالح الزيدي بتكليفه، متمنّيًا له التوفيق في تشكيل الحكومة وخدمة الشعب العراقي. وتؤكّد إيران احترامها لسيادة العراق ودعمها للاستقرار السياسي والتنمية وتعزيز التعاون بما يخدم مصالح الشعبين.

— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) May 1, 2026

Yesterday, US President Donald Trump congratulated al-Zaidi and invited him to visit Washington after the government is formed, in a call that followed similar outreach from US envoy Tom Barrack, who also discussed strengthening bilateral ties.

Several countries, including Syria, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Turkiye, Spain, Jordan, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany, along with the United Nations mission, have also welcomed the designation and expressed hope that the government formation will proceed smoothly and benefit Iraq.

Al-Zaidi’s nomination follows weeks of deadlock within the Shiite Coordination Framework, the largest bloc in parliament, which holds about 162 of parliament’s 329 seats, after outgoing Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and former premier Nouri al-Maliki withdrew from the race.

Read more: Who is Ali Al-Zaidi?

Shafaq News- Baghdad

Iraqi Prime Minister-designate Ali Al-Zaidi will discusswith Kurdish and Sunni leaders their demands in the new government, a politicalsource told Shafaq News on Friday.

Al-Zaidi is expected to visit the Kurdistan Region in thecoming days, where he will also address issues between Baghdad and Erbil,including the salaries and the Region’s share from the budget in line with thenew government’s program.

Read more: Into 2026, Baghdad and Erbil face the same disputes—with higher stakes

He will then meet Sunni leaders, including Taqaddum Movementleader Mohammed Al-Halbousi, to review their positions, as the latter hasraised his party’s expectations for cabinet posts, “fueling debate amongpolitical blocs as negotiations over Sunni ministries enter a more directphase.”

According to the source, disputes over power-sharing quotaswill be resolved based on each bloc’s parliamentary representation, underprevailing political norms, with key parties expected to play a role inensuring the government’s approval in parliament.

The source added that the Shiite Coordination Framework, thelargest bloc in parliament, has formed a committee to oversee the distributionof ministerial portfolios and review nominees in coordination with Al-Zaidi,“aiming to prevent disputes from delaying the formation of the government.”

Talks are ongoing over the initial distribution of cabinetposts. The Reconstruction and Development Coalition (Al-Ima'ar wal Tanmiya) isseeking five ministries, including a sovereign portfolio, while the State ofLaw Coalition is likely to secure the Oil Ministry and another serviceportfolio. The Sadiqoon Movement is also set to obtain two ministries and adeputy prime minister post.

Earlier, the Coordination Framework granted Al-Zaidi broaderauthority in selecting his cabinet following his nomination for prime ministerafter the withdrawal of caretaker Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani andformer Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki.

Read more: Ali al-Zaidi named Iraq's prime minister: Easy nomination, harder road ahead

Shafaq News- Baghdad

Iraq’s Shiite Coordination Framework (CF), the largest bloc inparliament, held its first meeting on Thursday in the presence of Prime Minister-designateAli al-Zaidi to review progress on forming the new government, according to astatement.

The meeting, attended by caretaker Prime Minister Mohammed Shiaal-Sudani and hosted by Badr Organization Secretary-General Hadi al-Amiri,addressed political, security, and economic developments, as well as the impactof the regional escalation on Iraq.

Al-Zaidi outlined initial steps for forming the government and elementsof the ministerial program, and referred to a recent phone call with USPresident Donald Trump.

Participants also stressed the importance of building state institutionson “sound foundations” that strengthen Iraq’s authority and sovereignty.

Read more: Ali al-Zaidi named Iraq's prime minister: Easy nomination, harder road ahead

Shafaq News- Abu Dhabi

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Thursday banned its citizens fromtraveling to Iraq, Iran, and Lebanon, urging those already in the threecountries to leave promptly.

نظرًا للتطورات الراهنة.. وزارة الخارجية تحظر السفر إلى إيران ولبنان والعراق وتدعو مواطني دولة الإمارات المتواجدين في هذه الدول إلى العودة في أقرب وقت pic.twitter.com/gTLt42bzQj

— MoFA وزارة الخارجية (@mofauae) April 30, 2026

The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs attributed the move to “currentdevelopments in the region,” stressing the need to follow official guidance andsafety advisories.

The decision comes despite Iraq reopening its national airport on April 10,ending weeks of suspension linked to the regional conflict, particularly theUS-Israeli war on Iran.

Shafaq News- Washington/ Baghdad (Updated at 22:20)

US President Donald Trump, on Thursday, congratulated Iraqi Prime Minister-designate Ali Faleh al-Zaidi, urging the formation of a new government “free of terrorism.”

In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated that Washington is looking forward to "a strong, vibrant, and highly productive new relationship" with Iraq.

Earlier, Trump extended an invitation for Al-Zaidi to visit Washington after forming the government.

تلقينا إتصالاً هاتفياً من الرئيس الأمريكي السيد دونالد ترامب، قدم خلاله التهنئة بمناسبة تكليفنا رسمياً لتشكيل الحكومة الجديدة، كما وجه لنا دعوة رسمية لزيارة واشنطن بعد تشكيل الحكومة.وشهد الاتصال استعراض العلاقات الستراتيجية الثنائية بين العراق والولايات المتحدة، وسبل تطويرها… pic.twitter.com/1W5XWDVSc2

— علي فالح الزيدي (@AliFalihAlzaidy) April 30, 2026

The European Union Mission in Iraq also welcomed al-Zaidi’s nomination, stressing the need to accelerate government formation to address pressing challenges facing the country.

Al-Zaidi’s nomination follows weeks of deadlock within the Shiite Coordination Framework, the largest bloc in parliament, which holds about 162 of parliament’s 329 seats, after outgoing Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and former premier Nouri al-Maliki withdrew from the race.

Read more: Who is Ali Al-Zaidi? The businessman tapped for Iraq's premiership

Shafaq News – Baghdad

Iraq’s nomination of Prime Minister-designate Ali al-Zaidi is being presented by political actors as a potential shift from the post-2003 governing model, while others point to the continuation of the same consensus-based system that has shaped successive governments.

Since 2003, executive authority has passed through successive leaders under varying internal and external conditions, from Iyad Allawi’s interim government to Ibrahim al-Jaafari, Nouri al-Maliki’s two terms, Haider al-Abadi during the war against ISIS, Adel Abdul Mahdi, Mustafa al-Kadhimi, and most recently Mohammed Shia al-Sudani.

This trajectory reflects a pattern in which governments are formed through political settlements aimed at managing crises rather than advancing long-term reform agendas. Within this context, Fahd al-Jubouri, a senior figure in al-Hikma (Wisdom) Movement led by Ammar al-Hakim, described the nomination as a departure from the established framework, stating it “falls outside the political system that has governed since 2003” and could mark “the beginning of a new phase in governance.”

At the same time, the broader context of the nomination and the forces backing it point to the persistence of the same consensus mechanisms, indicating that any change will depend on implementation rather than political framing.

Support for al-Zaidi has also come from other political actors. Ali al-Ahmad of the Taqaddum party, led by Mohammed al-Halbousi, confirmed backing for the Coordination Framework’s choice after “a prolonged period of negotiations.” He described the candidate as non-sectarian and capable of managing the next phase, while outlining priorities including political balance, resolving displacement, facilitating the return of residents to areas such as Jurf al-Sakhar -due to a combination of displacement, armed factions' control, and unresolved governance disputes- and maintaining balanced relations with neighboring states.

Read more: Who is Ali Al-Zaidi? The businessman tapped for Iraq's premiership

Al-Ahmad emphasized that the agreement reflects both political consensus and expectations tied to the government’s performance, effectively setting conditions for the next administration.

Armed factions also remain influential in shaping the political environment. Kazem al-Fartousi, spokesperson for Kataib Sayyid al-Shuhada, stated that “the premiership in Iraq is a constitutional entitlement representing the Shiite component,” linking the selection process to the Shiite Coordination Framework’s role, which holds about 162 of parliament’s 329 seats, as a representative of voters.

He added that factions expect “real investment in the political process” and that the government program must prioritize “achieving full Iraqi sovereignty.”

These positions reflect the role of armed groups within the governing structure, where their expectations intersect with political decision-making and shape the operating environment for the prime minister-designate.

Economic conditions remain a central challenge as Iraq continues to rely heavily on oil revenues, with limited diversification, rising unemployment, and persistent administrative and financial corruption. Al-Jubouri described these pressures as “existing and cannot be denied,” underscoring the constraints facing any incoming government.

These conditions point to the need for structural reforms, including economic reorganization, activation of productive sectors, and stronger oversight of public resources, although such measures often face resistance from entrenched interests.

Relations between the federal government and the Kurdistan Region remain another key issue. Former Kurdistan parliament member Abdul Salam Barwari stated that tensions are “not the result of personal disputes” but stem from differing visions of the state.

Barwari indicated that the Kurdistan Region adheres to the constitution on which the Iraqi state was established, while arguing that some actors in Baghdad continue to favor a centralized model, contributing to ongoing misunderstandings.

Read more: Ali al-Zaidi named Iraq's prime minister: Easy nomination, harder road ahead

Shafaq News-Baghdad

TheReconstruction and Development Coalition (RDC), led by caretaker Prime MinisterMohammed Shia al-Sudani, is seeking at least five ministerial portfolios inIraq’s incoming government, including a sovereign ministry, coalition MP AbbasAhyal told Shafaq News on Thursday.

Ahyal said thecoalition’s 46 seats, the largest share secured by a single bloc in the recentelections, give it strong leverage in the talks, with cabinet posts expected tobe distributed proportionally among political factions.

Prime Minister-designateAli al-Zaidi has 30 days from his April 27 appointment to present his cabinetand government program to parliament for a confidence vote. Ahyal expressedconfidence that the deadline would be met, pointing to ongoing intensivenegotiations among the blocs.

Parallel talksare shaping the broader cabinet lineup. Informed sources told Shafaq News thatal-Sudani’s coalition is likely to secure five ministries, including Finance,along with a deputy prime minister post.

The SadiqoonMovement, which holds 27 parliamentary seats, is expected to take the Labor andIndustry ministries, in addition to a second deputy prime minister position, markinga notable expansion of its executive role.

Cabinetformation in Iraq follows the muhasasa system, a post-2003 sectarian and ethnicpower-sharing arrangement that governs the allocation of senior state positionsamong the country’s main political groups.

Shafaq News-Baghdad

Kataib Sayyidal-Shuhada (KSS) called on Thursday for Iraq's incoming government to enshrinefull national sovereignty as a core objective.

"The primeministership in Iraq is a constitutional entitlement representing the Shiacomponent," spokesman Kazem Habib al-Fartusi told Shafaq News, adding thatthe Coordination Framework (CF) —as representative of the Shia electorate— hadexercised that choice in line with the political imperatives of the currentphase.

Al-Fartusi saidthat resistance factions expect the new government's program to reflect genuineinvestment in the political process.

Last week, theUS State Department offered up to $10 million for information on the group'sleader, Hashim Finyan Rahim al-Saraji, also known as Abu Alaa al-Walai.Washington designated al-Saraji and KSS as Specially Designated GlobalTerrorists in November 2023, and further classified the group as a ForeignTerrorist Organization in September 2025.

According toinformation obtained by Shafaq News, the United States also conveyed objectionsthrough back-channel communications over al-Saraji's participation in the Frameworkmeetings convened to select the prime minister-designate.

The Framework,which holds 162 seats in parliament, functions simultaneously as the dominantShia political bloc and an umbrella for factions with armed wings. At least 55of its MPs are affiliated with the political branches of groups designated byWashington as Foreign Terrorist Organizations.

Read more: The Coordination Framework: Can govern Iraq, but cannot agree on a prime minister

Shafaq News- Baghdad

Iraq's Council of Representativeshas failed on April 6 to advance the third amendment to Law No. 20 of 2009, the Law onCompensation of Victims of War Operations, Military Mistakes, and TerroristOperations, leaving thousands of eligible families without full legalrecognition.

The Coordination Committee ofMartyrs' Families has issued a 30-day ultimatum to parliament, warning of civilprotests and demonstrations if the legislative process is not completed withinthe deadline.

Roots of the Crisis

The dispute traces to mid-2023, whensome individuals were removed from the beneficiary registry of the MartyrsFoundation —the Iraqi state institution responsible for formally recognizingand administering benefits for security personnel and civilians killed inmilitary operations, terrorist attacks, or military errors, a status the Iraqistate designates as martyrdom and which carries legally defined pension andcompensation entitlements under Law No. 20 of 2009— without legaljustification, according to Abu Ishaq, spokesman for the Coordination Committeeof Martyrs' Families.

Those removed were members of Iraq'ssecurity forces across various formations who died in active service, Abu Ishaqsaid. Their removal from the foundation's database left their families withoutthe formal state recognition that triggers pension payments and otherentitlements under the law.

"Our demands began gradually,then became a formal legislative amendment aimed at reinstating the removedindividuals and securing their rights," he told Shafaq News.

A Stalled Legislative Path

The third amendment to Law No. 20 of2009 —a law that has been amended twice previously, in 2016 and 2020, andapplies retroactively to events from March 20, 2003, the date of the US-ledinvasion that toppled Saddam Hussein's government— reached its first reading inIraq's Council of Representatives during the fifth legislative term. It wasdeferred when elections for the sixth term intervened.

A temporary committee wassubsequently formed to follow up on the amendment, but it was unable tocomplete its work due to internal disagreements and an expanding agenda. Thepermanent Committee on Martyrs, Victims and Political Prisoners, established afterthe new term began, has since been unable to convene officially because itlacks a quorum— six members are present against the seven required under theinternal regulations of the Council of Representatives, Iraq's 329-seat federallegislature.

The Financial Objection

Parliamentary calls to return theamendment to the government because it carries a financial burden have drawnsharp rejection from families and from official documentation. Sahar al-Shawi,a teacher and mother of a martyr from the Ministry of Interior, told ShafaqNews the amendment imposes no new financial obligations. Its core provisionsare limited to extending salary payments, an arrangement already in place undera prior government decision, and reinstating the removed individuals to theMartyrs Foundation database, which she described as an administrative measure,not a budgetary one.

A formal letter from the MartyrsFoundation, dated May 25, 2025, and reviewed by Shafaq News, confirms thatreinstating the removed individuals carries no financial cost and can beexecuted administratively upon passage of the amendment. The implementinginstructions of Law No. 20 of 2009, issued in 2018 by the Ministry of Finance,establish that the administrative machinery for processing such cases alreadyexists within state institutions, further undermining the financial objectionraised by some lawmakers.

"Those who were removed arealready receiving salaries from their respective ministries," al-Shawisaid. "Returning them to the law gives them moral rights, not financialones." She challenged the objection directly: "If there is afinancial burden, why has the government continued paying salaries to martyrs'families until now?"

Human Cost of the Delay

The prolonged stall has had directconsequences for families who hold official martyrdom rulings but have receivedno monthly salary due to procedural complications. "There are familiesdeprived of salaries despite holding all legal entitlements," al-Shawisaid, adding that temporary measures such as salary extensions address thesymptom without resolving the underlying legal problem.

Abbas al-Fartusi, a relative of amartyr, called on Iraq's political blocs to fulfill what he described as anational responsibility by nominating members to complete the committee'squorum. "Blocking the committee means blocking one of the most importanthumanitarian laws before parliament," he told Shafaq News, warning thatfailure to pass the law would carry serious consequences for martyrs' familiesacross Iraq.

Parliamentary Positions

Broad consensus exists withinparliament for passing the law, according to MP Nazik Ahmed, who noted thatlawmakers had gathered signatures at the start of the current term to form theCommittee on Martyrs, Victims and Political Prisoners, though the effort hadnot yet produced results. "We will work to convey the demands of martyrs'families to the parliamentary presidency and accelerate the procedures,"she said.

Support for the amendment is notlimited to Arab Iraqi blocs. MP Sarwa Mohammed confirmed that Kurdistan Regionpolitical blocs —representing Iraq's Kurdish component, which holds aconstitutionally recognized autonomous region in the north of the country—would back any legislation serving martyrs' families. "The martyrssacrificed for Iraq, and everyone must support the rights of theirfamilies," she said.

In a video recording posted on hisFacebook page, MP Hussein al-Battat, a member of the Committee on Martyrs,Victims and Political Prisoners, said the law may need to be resubmitted to thegovernment for its opinion following certain procedural amendments. Henonetheless confirmed the law commands significant attention within thecommittee and is among the carried-over legislation that must be resolved inthe current term.

Ultimatum

The Coordination Committee ofMartyrs' Families attributed the prolonged delay to an absence of politicalwill, describing the stall as unjustified given the humanitarian nature of thefile. Its statement said the delay reflects the absence of political will toaddress a file of acute humanitarian sensitivity.

The committee's 30-day deadline runsfrom the date the statement was issued. Should parliament fail to act withinthat window, the committee has stated it will escalate to organized civildemonstrations.

Shafaq News- Baghdad

The Iraqi Prime Minister-designate, Ali al-Zaidi, called onseven police officers from his home province of Dhi Qar to join his office inBaghdad, a security source told Shafaq News on Wednesday.

Among those requested is Brigadier General Ziyad al-Zaidi,head of the Directorate of Tribal Affairs in the province.

On April 27, the Shiite Coordination Framework (CF), thelargest bloc with around 162 of parliament’s 329 seats, nominated al-Zaidi as acandidate for the country’s next premier, ending weeks of political deadlock.Iraqi President Nizar Amedi subsequently assigned him to form a government, aprocess he must complete within 30 days and secure parliamentary confidenceunder Article 76 of the constitution.

Read more: Ali al-Zaidi named Iraq's prime minister: Easynomination, harder road ahead