Exclusive: Washington sends a stern message to al-Zidi hours before the vote on his government.
Exclusive: Washington sends a stern message to al-Zidi hours before the vote on his government.
2026-05-14
Shafaq News – Washington
Mustafa Hashim
The US State Department said on Thursday that the United States is closely monitoring the formation of the new Iraqi government, warning that its dealings with the next government will be determined by its stance on Iranian-backed armed groups and their role within state institutions.
The American position came ahead of a session in which Prime Minister-designate Ali al-Zaidi is supposed to present his cabinet, or part of it, to the House of Representatives for a vote, amid escalating political disputes over the issue of weapons and the participation of forces that have armed wings in the next government.
The Iraqi parliament is scheduled to vote on Thursday on the ministerial program and the government of al-Zidi, while sources close to him said that he has not yet decided on some portfolios and is still reviewing the names of candidates submitted by the political blocs.
A spokesperson for the US State Department told Shafaq News Agency that “the United States continues to monitor the government formation process, and that Washington is looking for actions, not words, and that Iraq has a choice to make.”
He added that “Iran’s terrorist militias should have no role in state institutions, and Iraqi government funds should not be used to support these militias in any way.”
The American statement puts additional pressure on al-Zaydi in the final hours before the anticipated vote, as he tries to pass a government that does not clash with the American position on the factions, and at the same time does not break the balance of power of the coordinating framework that nominated him to form the government.
Political sources told Shafaq News that the issue of restricting weapons has become one of the most prominent obstacles to announcing the cabinet, with some factions refusing to hand over their weapons or integrate their members without conditions.
The American position coincided with the announcement by the “Sadiqun” movement, the political wing of Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq, that its participation in al-Zaydi’s government would be discussed after discussing “the issue of restricting weapons according to the vision of the religious authority.”
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