Al-Zaydi gives those accused of corruption a choice and praises Washington’s resumption of dollar shipments to Iraq.
Al-Zaydi gives those accused of corruption a choice and praises Washington’s resumption of dollar shipments to Iraq.
2026-07-09
Shafaq News – Baghdad
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi affirmed on Thursday that his government is proceeding with its campaign to combat rampant financial and administrative corruption in Iraqi state departments and institutions, while denying the existence of any internal or external mediation to release those detained in these cases.
In an interview with Al Arabiya satellite channel, he stressed that the anti-corruption campaign he recently launched, which resulted in the arrest of current and former government officials, as well as members of the Iraqi parliament in the current and previous sessions, would not be allowed to stop.
He added, “We have not practiced any selectivity in dealing with corruption cases (…) and there are no red lines in protecting public funds,” noting that “those accused of corruption have no option but to return the looted funds,” in reference to continuing to pursue them inside and outside Iraq.
Al-Zaydi stressed that cooperation with the judiciary is at the highest level to recover those funds.
In another part of the interview, Al-Zaidi praised Washington for releasing cash dollar shipments to Iraq after a hiatus of several months, considering it a “gesture of goodwill” towards Baghdad.
Regarding his upcoming visit to the United States, the Prime Minister stated that it would include an announcement of an economic and political partnership with Washington, adding: “It is possible that we will exchange security information with Washington.”
Regarding Iraq’s position on the tensions in the region, Al-Zaydi stressed that “Iraq will not join any axis,” but at the same time he pointed to Baghdad’s constant efforts to create rapprochement between America and Iran in order to reach a radical solution to the problems and disputes between them and to achieve comprehensive peace in the region.
The Iraqi Prime Minister revealed a tour that includes Arab countries following his visit to Washington, and said that “it is important for Iraq to be part of the Arab fold,” noting Baghdad’s desire to establish an economic partnership with Saudi Arabia through the upcoming visit he will make to the capital, Riyadh.
Al-Zaidi revealed that he had visited Damascus after Riyadh, saying: “Syria is a neighboring country and it is important that there be economic cooperation between us.”
The Prime Minister denied the circulating reports about Iraq’s desire to withdraw from OPEC, stressing that “we will not leave the organization, but we seek a fair share” in increasing Iraqi oil exports.
shafaq.com
